South Africa and Mexico draw 1-1 in World Cup opener

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.