Parreira's decision time as hosts face dilemma

South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will use today's final warm-up match against Denmark to decide on his starting XI for the Bafana Bafana's World Cup opener against Mexico.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Jun 2010, 00:57 BST

Updated 5th Jun 2010, 00:57 BST

Parreira has admitted he is still not sure what his best team is, just six days before the tournament opener in Johannesburg.

The Brazilian's most pressing concern centres on who will fill the holding midfielder's role, with Fulham's Kagiso Dikgacoi and Thanduyise Khuboni in contention, while Tsepo Masilela and Lucas Thwala are vying for left-back.

"Denmark will help me fine-tune the side for Mexico," Parreira said ahead of the match, which will be played in front of a 30,000 sell-out crowd at the Super Stadium in Atteridgeville.

"I have a good idea of most of my starting side to play Mexico but I have not made up my mind on whether to play KG (Dikgacoi] or Khuboni.

Denmark, meanwhile, face an injury crisis ahead of the match with Thomas Kahlenberg and Jon-Dahl Tomasson suffering knocks in training this week.

The USA face Australia and are set to be without first-choice striker Jozy Altidore, who injured an ankle in the week.