World Cup | 2002 | Lucas Radebe’s last stand

If a bullet through the back and thigh couldn’t stop Lucas Radebe becoming South Africa captain, a knee injury that had prevented him from playing for Leeds for over a year wasn’t going to stop him leading his country at a second World Cup. South Africa needed their captain. Nelson Mandela needed his hero.

In their final group match at the 2002 World Cup, South Africa faced Spain with qualification still in the balance. The pressure got to goalkeeper Andre Arendse, who spilled a routine ball at Raul’s feet, giving Spain an early lead. But it wasn’t getting to Radebe. Closed down by Fernando Morientes with nobody nearby to help, Lucas calmly dummied the striker and sent him chasing thin air.

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