The match is a must-win game for both teams and they target a first-ever win at the World Cup finals.

South Africa are playing in just their second World Cup, and Argentina in their fourth, and neither has managed to win a game at the World Cup finals to date.

The reality is that on Friday the loser will most likely get knocked out of the World Cup.

The Bafana coach, Desiree Ellis, said for them the game is a final and their focus goes no further than they match against the South Americans for now.

“It's a game that we must win and in essence it will be history when we win, because it will be our first time,” said the former South African captain.

“More than that, it is our final and we cannot look any further ahead than the game against Argentina. Everything else doesn't match at this moment - this game is the most important.

“We said we'll look at Sweden and the other two teams are not far from our minds, but we have to face the task at hand, and that is Argentina.”

South Africa lost their opening game 2-1 to Sweden right at the death on Sunday in Wellington, while the Argentines suffered a 1-0 defeat to Italy on Monday.

Friday’s crucial match between South Africa and Argentina in Dunedin kicks off at 2am.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport