South Africa beats Denmark 1-0 in World Cup warmup

South Africa beats Denmark 1-0 in World Cup warmup

Published Jun. 5, 2010 10:15 a.m. ET

Katlego Mphela scored the lone goal Saturday to lift World Cup host South Africa to a 1-0 win over Denmark in a warmup match.

Mphela lost his marker in the 75th minute, cut into the penalty area and sent a powerful shot into the far corner with his right foot.

The World Cup hosts nearly doubled their lead in the 90th, but Surprise Moriri's shot was deflected for a corner.

South Africa, which is unbeaten in its last 12 matches, hosts Mexico in the opening game of the World Cup on Friday at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

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Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar, considered South Africa's best player, made his 50th national team appearance, but had an off day. He was replaced by Moriri in the 63rd minute.

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