Els has one eye on World Cup as he prepares for U.S. Open

PEBBLE BEACH, California, (Reuters) – While South  African Ernie Els seeks a third U.S. Open title at Pebble Beach  this week, he will be keeping a close eye on the soccer World  Cup where he believes his country can reach the second round.
South Africa drew 1-1 against Mexico in their Group A opener  and will take on Uruguay today before facing former world  champions France in their final group game.

“We always thought we were going to lose against Mexico, so  that was a great draw,” a smiling Els told reporters at Pebble  Beach yesterday.

“If they can get a draw with France or even get through with  a win, we would have a chance of qualifying. And that would  almost be like a miracle for us down there.”

Els, an enthusiastic sports fan, watched the World Cup’s  opening ceremony on television with his father during a golfing  excursion last week at Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey.

“My hair was standing on end for about 20 minutes,” the  three-times major winner said. “It’s just an amazing spectacle  down there, the biggest sporting event in the world, and we’re  hosting it.

“The home support is unbelievable. At the ‘95 World Cup  rugby, we didn’t have much of a chance and the home support  really pulled the Springboks (South Africa) through (to win).  And I think our team has a great chance now.”