South Africa ties Mexico in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Opening Match

Go Bafana Bafana!  South Africa, hosts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, score first in the opening match against Mexico.  Despite their low international ranking and low expectations from the experts, South Africa came alive in the second half and very close to pulling off the win…

Breaking News article from 24News in Johannesburg:

THRILLER ENDS IN A DRAW

Johannesburg – A thrilling opening encounter between hosts South Africa and opponents Mexico has ended in a draw, with each side scoring single goals in the second half.

South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala scored for the hosts in the 55th minute to open the tally, after a good passing move in midfield by South Africa led to Tshabalala breaking free down the left wing and he blazed forward and was left one-on-one with the Mexico goalkeeper. The stadium erupted into cheers when his high shot landed in the net.

Mexico’s Rafael Marquez responded to score in the 79th minute to level the goal tallies at one apiece.

Katlego Mphela had the best chance to put the hosts in the lead again in the 90th minute, as a surging run ended in a shot deflecting off the left hand post.

Both teams gain a point from the encounter, with the hosts taking the most positives from the game.