A good match, and a fair result. What more could you ask for from an opening World Cup match. Mexico dominated possession in the first half but were unable to cash in on the scoring opportunities they had created through Dos Santos, Aguilar, Franco, and Vela. For South Africa the second half was their time. After finally settling in a bit at the end of the first half, the trend continued for South Africa in the second. Through skill from Pienaar, Mphela, and Tshabalala with goalkeeper Khune keeping them in the match South Africa was better at holding the ball and executed some nifty counterattacks with pace culminating with the goal taken by Tshabalala at a dead run on 55 minutes. South Africa would hold the lead until late, despite continuous fierce effort on the part of Mexico to level. The Tricolores would see results from their efforts in the 79th minute, when a rebound from a shot fell to the feet of Marquez who took his chance with dispatch. Mphela would come close for South Africa hitting the post on yet another counter, but victory for the host nation wasn’t in the cards today. Mexico saved face for CONCACAF and South Africa earned a bit more respect for the Confederation of African Football. Both sides with something to show for their efforts, they each earn a point in the Group A standings.
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