South Africa Draws With Mexico in World Cup Kick-off
JOHANNESBURG – The 2010 World Cup got underway on Friday with hosts South Africa taking the lead before having to settle for a draw against Mexico
The host nation took the lead at Soccer City in front of 84,000 in the opening game of the World Cup, with Siphiwe Tshabalala scoring the opening goal of the game – and of the tournament.
Mexico had been the better side in the first half, with Arsenal striker Carlos Vela having a well worked goal ruled out for offside.
After the interval, Bafana Bafana got more into the game and were rewarded when Tshabalala found the net after 55 minutes with a
powerful left-foot strike.
The goal made the game more open and Mexico were rewarded for their efforts late in the game as Rafael Marquez equalised after 79 minutes.
Then in injury-time, South Africa had an opportunity to snatch the win, only for Katlego Mphela to hit the post from close range.
Over the 90 minutes, Mexico were the far better side, although the hosts will be unhappy with how they defended for Marquez’s goal.
Tonight sees Uruguay take on France in Group A (19:30 BST kick-off)
