Portugal routed North Korea 7-0 in the Soccer World Cup on Monday while Spain bounced back from a shock opening defeat to ease past Honduras.
Brazil reached the Soccer World Cup’s last 16 with a 3-1 win over Côte d’Ivoire on Sunday which was soured by a controversial red card for Kaka.
South Africa offered a smiling face on Friday as they prepared for a must-win World Cup clash against fellow strugglers France.
Spain become the last World Cup giant to flex their muscles when they face modest Switzerland on Wednesday in a Group H Durban showdown.
A second round at the first World Cup in Africa without a team from the continent is too ghastly a thought to contemplate.
SA striker Katlego Mphela promised on Monday he would take his hot form into the opening Soccer World Cup match against Mexico.
Germany were the latest World Cup giants to touch down in South Africa for the first World Cup staged on the continent.
England arrived in South Africa on Thursday morning hoping a favourable first-round draw can be the catalyst for a serious World Cup challenge.
South Africa has fallen in love with Bafana Bafana again, and that could spell trouble for World Cup rivals Mexico, Uruguay and France next month.
South Africa extended an unbeaten run to nine games since Carlos Alberto Parreira returned as coach with a 2-1 victory over Colombia on Thursday.