Carlos Alberto Parreira knows South Africa face a tough task in their opening World Cup fixture against Mexico.
South Africa coach aware of considerable threat posed by Mexico
Carlos Alberto Parreira knows South Africa face a tough task in their opening World Cup fixture against Mexico.
The hosts will get proceedings underway on Friday when they open the 19th edition of the finals in Johannesburg.
Never in the history of the tournament have the host nation failed to qualify for the second round and South Africa are determined to prolong that record.
They accept, however, that they will need to be on top of their game if they are to meet the demands of an expectant public.
An opening game against Mexico promises to give them an early indication of how they will fare, and Parreira admits his side must ensure they do not buckle under pressure.
"Tomorrow, as much as the pressure is big, it's a World Cup game, it's sort of a war," said the Brazilian.
"Opening games are always difficult, there is lots of pressure, the whole country is involved and you are playing under the eyes of the world.
Respect
"We want to have fun, we want to enjoy the game.
"I know it's not easy to enjoy the game when you play a team as good as Mexico. They are the most daring team in this World Cup, the way they approach the game."
While wary of Mexico, 1994 World Cup-winning coach Parreira insists South Africa have no fear heading into the crunch clash.
He continued: "We respect them, but we are not afraid.
"They have their way, we have ours and the good thing about Bafana Bafana now is this team has an identity, they are confident and they want to deliver.
"We want to make this country proud and we are going to give hell to any team we play."
