By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
Match Review
Hosts South Africa kicked off their World Cup campaign with a decent 1-1 draw against Mexico.
Despite the fervent home support and the sounds of vuvuzelas filling the stadium, South Africa struggled to make an impact in a cagey first 45 minutes.
Mexico settled well into their 4-3-3 formation as they constantly attacked through the middle, with ex-Tottenham Hotspur player Giovanni Dos Santos firing the first threatening effort wide on 16 minutes. They appeared to have a deserved lead on 36 minutes when Arsenal forward Carlos Vela touched the ball home at the far post after a corner from the right, but it was duly disallowed for offside.
That looked to have sparked the hosts into life as they went on the attack thereafter and forced four corners, but the lack of a final touch in front of goal meant that both teams went into the break goalless.
Mexico came into the second half taking a more patient approach with their passing movement, but failed to carve the South African defence open. Instead it was the Bafana Bafana who scored the opening goal of this year’s World Cup after 54 minutes.
A superb through-ball by midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi released winger Siphiwe Tshabalala through on the left flank. The latter strode into the box before hammering his shot into the top right corner of the goal to send the home fans in the stadium wild.
Winger Teko Modise could have further extended his team’s lead, but failed to capitalise on two occasions as he fired both wide and straight to Mexico keeper Oscar Perez.
Mexico threw on two forwards in the form of Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Javier Hernandez thereafter to put pressure on the South African defence, and it paid off on 77 minutes. Winger Andres Guardado’s cross from the left evaded both South African centre-backs before reaching Rafael Marquez at the far post. The Barcelona player remained calm to slot inside Itumeleng Khune’s near post for the equaliser.
South Africa could have snatched a win two minutes before the end when a long ball from goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune released forward Katlego Mphela into the box for a one-on-one opportunity, but the latter fired his effort agonisingly off the post and away from danger.
Parvesh Dhillon of VJC. (Photo 2 © Les Tan/Red Sports)
Our Group A pundit, Victoria Junior College’s Parvesh Dhillon, provides us with his post-match opinions. He correctly predicted the 1-1 scoreline.
Parvesh Says:
Personally, I thought Mexico’s Carlos Vela did not have much of an impact on the game even though he made some surging runs. From my point of view, his teammate Giovanni Dos Santos was a constant threat with his dribbling and menacing runs. He even forced a couple of good saves from the South African keeper Khune. His creativity was a real spectacle and he had a distinct contribution in most of Mexico’s chances.
Besides Dos Santos, Rafael Marquez was solid for Mexico today as well. He made some timely interceptions and even rounded off an impressive display with the all-important equaliser.
I thought Steven Pienaar had a good game for South Africa even though he did not have much time on the ball. His occasional flicks and through-passes caused problems for the Mexican defense. Katlego Mphela was also unlucky to hit the post at the end.
I think the half-time team talk changed the game as it revitalized South Africa. They looked very hungry immediately after the restart and were duly rewarded after a stunning finish from Tshabalala. Their passing was also much better after the restart. However, they were very shaky defensive-wise, and the goal they conceded was evidently due to poor marking.
The introduction of Javier Hernandez was a big positive for Mexico as well. He held the ball well and made things happen for Mexico. Maybe Mexico could have claimed all three points if Guillermo Franco’s finishing was up to scratch as well.
My man-of-the-match is Mexico’s Giovanni Dos Santos. His dribbling was magnificent and he created many chances for his team. He was also in the thick of the action, taking a blistering shot at the edge of the area which forced an equally good save from Khune. Even though he lost the ball on several occasions, his creativity was a joy to watch. Much rests on his shoulders if Mexico are to progress to the next round.
More Reports and Reactions
South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira speaks
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre speaks
Pictures from Day 1
Video highlights of the game
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
| GROUP A | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
URUGUAY  | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 7 |
MEXICO  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
SOUTH AFRICA  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 4 |
FRANCE  | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 1 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
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