Hosts South Africa drew 1-1 with Mexico in the opening Group A game of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg this morning [Tasmanian time].
Mexico had the better of the possession in the opening half and it took South Africa a long time to settle down. But, South Africa’s quick counter-attacks were always dangerous and they became more confident as the game progressed.
After the goalless opening half, in which Mexico had a ‘goal’ disallowed because of off-side, South Africa took the lead in the 55th minute through a brilliant counter-attack after they won possession deep in their own half.
Tshabalala was put away down the left and he finished brilliantly with a left-foot shot across the goalkeeper and inside the far top corner of the net.
Mexico almost equalised on the hour when Dos Santos cut in from the right and unleashed a terrific shot aimed at the near top corner, but the South African goalkeeper managed to divert it for a corner.
Ten minutes later, South Africa’s Modise had a shot blocked by the Mexican keeper as the home side again showed their ability to launch dangerous and lightning-quick counter-attacks.
The equaliser came in the 79th minute following a short corner by Blanco from the left. Guardado sent over a deep cross from the left and Marquez at the far post fired past the keeper.
South Africa almost snatched a late winner, but Mphela’s shot hit the post.
South Africa had 4 shots on target and Mexico 5, while the hosts had 4 shots off target and Mexico 9.
Mexico had 58 per cent of the possession and won the corner count 5-4.
Mexico were off-side 6 times and South Africa 4 times. South Africa committed 16 fouls and Mexico 12 and both sides received two yellow cards.
Officals rarely get 'good press' particularly at world cups but the refs and asst refs officiating in the 2 games played on the opening day of South Africa 2010 were nothing short of first class - let's hope it continues at that level.
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