South Africa continue their recent good form; Balotelli sparkles for the young Italians

South Africa 2 - Ghana 1 (International friendly, October 15, 2008) Yaw Antwi gave the Black Stars a 39th minute lead but Benni McCarthy turned home an equaliser within a minute. And World Cup hosts recorded a morale-boosting third successive win when Bernard Parker headed home a 75th minute winner. (Both South African goals can be seen here.)

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France 0 - Germany 1 (Agg. 1-2) (U21 Euro 2009 qualifiers, October 15, 2008)

Israel 1 - Italy 3 (Agg. 1-3) (U21 Euro 2009 qualifiers, October 15, 2008) After missing the first-leg through illness, Mario Balotelli all but wrapped up the tie in the first half with two excellent goals. The first was a stunning free-kick from distance and the second a fine turn and finish. Toto Tamuz pulled one back early in the second half but Torino’s Ignazio Abate sealed the win when he was given the freedom of the Israeli half.