South Africa Draws Against Mexico

Pin It Now! The 2010 FIFA World Cup finally opened on a bright note for the host country South Africa. The opening match ended on a 1-1 draw, drawing applauds from spectators who felt the host gave a very good account of themselves.

The first half was tough for the host country as the Mexicans mounted pressures on them, trying to steal victory from them. Several chances were missed by both sides, though the Mexicans had a slight upper hand over the Bafana Bafana. The North Americans had a better ball possession in both halves. The first half ended on a barren note, though the Mexicans scored a goal that was disallowed because it was from an off-side position.

The South Africans lifted their game in the second half, giving the Mexicans some anxious moments from their counter offensive. They tried to make their fans happy; they played better as a team and reduced the incursions from the visitors. The deadlock was broken in the 55th minute when Siphiwe Tshabalala connected a cross and shot with his left foot into the left top corner of the Mexican net for the first goal of the match, thereby making history as the first player to score a world cup goal on the African soil. The stadium erupted in jubilation as the ball hit the back of the net.

The Mexicans did not relax; they mounted more pressure in order to escape defeat in their first match. Dos Santos was particularly outstanding as he dribbled and mesmerized the South African defense. His left footer was parried by goal keeper Khune for a corner kick in the 59th minute. In the 66th minute the Bafana Bafana lost yet another chance to increase the goal tally as the ball went across the line for a goal kick after the goal keeper was displaced.

However, the Mexicans were saved the embarrassment of a defeat by Rafael Marquez who connected a cross in the 79th minute and made no mistake, shooting past Khune for an equalizer. More and more pressures were mounted on South Africa but the defense line proved too strong and refused to cave in. The last opportunity for the host to seal up victory came in the 89th minute but was wasted by Katlego Mphela, who hit the upright after the goal keeper was clearly out of the way.

Two players were particularly outstanding on both sides – Siphiwe Tshabalala (South Africa) and Dos Santos (Mexico). Others that gave a good account of themselves include Aaron Mokoena, Itumeleng Khune, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Rafael Marquez. Steven Pinaar was a shadow of himself; his brilliant display for Everton was not there in today’s match. He got substituted in the 83rd minute for Bernard parker. Shot at goal was 14 for Mexico and 9 for the host; corner kicks for the visitors were 5 and 4 for the host country. 2 yellow cards were awarded each to both sides. Siphiwe Tshabalala was elected ‘Man of the match’.

South Africa Draws Against Mexico