South Africa 1 (Mphela 55) Mexico 1 (Marquez 79)
It's all over in the World Cup opener. It finished all square which was a fair result in the end. No team really imposed themselves on the game. Lacking that killer final ball into the strikers or over the top in South Africa's case for the pacey Mphela to get on to. The one time they got it right was a route one ball over the top from the goalkeeper with the Mexico defence caught unaware but he could only hit the outside of the post.
South Africa went ahead on 55 minutes with a wonderful break which led to Modise threading the play through to Tshabalala who ran onto it and lashed the ball across Perez's goal into the far corner. A stunning strike to open the World Cup then a choreographed dance routine to celebrate.
Mexico drew level with ten minutes to go. A ball over the top of the South African defence from Guardado which left Marquez free at the back stick. He was allowed the freedom of Johannesburg to take a touch and then slam the ball past Khune to bring the game level.
A very disappointing second game. Not many chances or creativity at all. Yohan Gourcuff let his big moment pass him by. Govou had the best chance early when Ribery got free on the wing crossed the ball in but he couldn't get a significant touch on the ball. The Uruguayan substitute Lodeiro was sent off for two bookable offences. Nothing else of note happened in the game.
France need to buck up their ideas for the next game as that now becomes a must win game. Domenech must go for the win. He can't continue to play what is ostensibly a 4-5-1 with no support for Anelka upfront.
Both teams get a point on the board. South Africa play Uruguay next & Mexico play France.
