Match 5

South Africa 4 Ukraine 1

This is the first time we’ve seen any of the teams for a second time. The hosts were beaten 4-0 by India yesterday, with Ukraine losing 8-2 to Nicaragua.

There’s mayhem in the arena as the match kicks off, with the crowd noisily cheering for the South Africans.

But it’s Ukraine who score first, against the run of play, before South Africa score two in quick succession to lead 2-1 with eight minutes of the first half left to play. When a third goal for South Africa hits the back of the net, there’s uproar in the crowd, with the referee’s whistle completely inaudible. From there the drummers take over, with pounding rhythms cheering on the young South Africans.

Six minutes to go and after a good save from the Ukraine keeper, the ball’s smashed into the roof of the net. 4-1 to the hosts, and they’re back in the hunt for a semifinal place.