So the greatest event in football has kicked off. Siphiwe Tshabalala (wil take weeks to pronounce the name) scored the first goal of the tournament and scoring the first goal like that says about better things to come.
All the early hard work was done by Mexico with Dos Santos and Paul Aguilar doing most of the work. Mexicans were passing, running and winning the balls but could not score a goal.
Bafana Bafana
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For me the match started in the last 10 minutes of the first half. Bafana Bafana started getting into groove and came up with some good play. I did not expect the South African team could play like this after watching first half hour of the game.
The dream of South Africa could have broken just after two minutes when keeper Khune stopped a cross but gave the ball to Dos Santos.
South Africa had their first sniff of a chance when some good passing carved open the Mexicans.
A series of slick passes led to Tshabalala getting hacked down 25 yards out — but Steven Pienaar fired his free-kick over the bar.
While Mexico’s Efrain Juarez became the first person to get a card (yellow) in the 27th minute.
Carlos Vela put the ball behind the goal line in 37th minute but it was adjudged off-side.
For the rest of time left belonged to South Africa who started getting their minds in the game so ensure that there was no one way traffic.
In second half it was a even game and South Africa who broke the deadlock with a sensational strike from Tshabalala. Teko Modise sent in a through-ball, and the midfielder steadied himself before firing a rocket past Perez.
It was a ferocious goal worthy of opening the World Cup’s account and Soccer City exploded in joy.
This goal came as a shock to Mexico and they were sinking in the game. The confidence of SA was getting better and better. Mexico made substitution and still they could not get a goal.
But, then it is said football is a game of 90 minutes and nothing is over until the whistle blows.
Then Mexico levelled out of nowhere.Andres Guardado crossed over a dozy home defence and Rafael Marquez — totally unmarked at the back post — controlled and tucked home.
The coach of South Africa Parrieira used the team well and they came a whisker from scoring when the shot by Mphela hit the bar and saved the day for Mexico.
South Africa played a good game after overcoming early jitters. Mexico was tipped to win the game but South Africa got a well earned draw.
The performance of Mexico was below par and it will be tough for them to qualify for the next round.
World witnessed a good game and from here it only gets better and better
P.S- This is my first review and I know it is not good. If I missed anything(which I am sure I have) please add it and I am open to criticism
