South Africa Denied Fairytale Start

Host country South Africa was denied victory in their opening match when Mexico struck with eleven minutes to go to level the score at 1-1.

The Mexican side had enjoyed the better play in the opening half as they dominated the hosts, but were unable to convert any of that chances that had fell to them.

They could have had the dream start with just two minutes on the clock when Paul Aguillar’s low cross foxed the defence and left the keep stranded.

They were only denied when Aaron Mokoena took control to prevent Giovani dos Santos from finding the back of the net.

Just before the half time whistle Mexico did score but the celebrations didn’t last long as Vela was deemed offside and the goal was disallowed.

Despite this disappointment Mexico continued to push and dominate throughout the remained of the half but it remained 0-0 after forty five minutes.

But South Africa was roared on by the home supporters in Johannesburg as they dreamed of the fairytale opening to the competition.

And that fairytale came step closer in the second half when Siphiwe Tshabalala fired a left footed strike to give the hosts an unexpected lead, much to the delight of the capacity crowd.

Mexico continued to push forward and create chances while South Africa were content to sit back and defend their lead.

But they almost went 2-0 up in the seventieth minute when Modise almost scored, but Perez’s quick thinking block kept Mexico in the game.

And Mexico dashed South African hopes with just eleven minutes to go as Marquez, who plays his club football at Barcelona, took advantage of some poor defending to tap the ball home.

South Africa had the chance to clinch the match in the dying minutes but Mphela could only strike the post and the match ended 1-1.

The second match in Group A gets underway this evening as France, who are favourites to top the group, play Uruguay.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw