1433 days since Italy beat France and we're back in that warm fuzzy place, the World Cup!Hosts South Africa kicked off the World Cup today against Mexico today, with the hopes of a nation and a continent hanging on Bafana Bafana. Doubts had been raised at various times over South Africa's ability to be ready for the July 11th kick off, but Friday rolled around and everything has gone smoothly so far.
The game started off on a sad note with the absence of Nelson Mandela due to the death of his grand-daughter. The vuvuzelas and cheers rang out through the stadium prior to kick off, but I shudder to think of the din that would have accompanied Madiba's words.
This game was really a tale of 2 halves, and the first five minutes were all Mexico's.
While Mexico saw a lot of the ball for the first half they failed to create too many decent chances. There was a definite contrast between the calmness of the Mexicans and the shaky nervy play of the hosts, especially with the back four. Goalkeeper Khune spilled a low cross early that fell to Giovani dos Santos but his shot was well blocked by captain Aaron Mokoena. He certainly redeemed himself later making a fine save, staying on his feet to deny Guillermo Franco after a delicate chip from Carlos Vela put the Mexican striker through.
France and Vela combined again 5 minutes before the interval, when the young Vela thought he'd scored this tournament's 1st goal. Franco's header from a corner was going wide when Vela nodded it in, but Khune's flying attempt to clear the corner left Vela offside.
South Africa had a few chances, most notably from a couple of fine crosses from Tshabalala down the left, but it was 0-0 going into the break.
The 1st World Cup goal on African soil was appropriately scored by the hosts. A few one touch passes and Tshabalala's run down the left before he drilled a glorious shot across and right into the top corner of the goal. Certainly a goal worthy to kick the tournament off, particularly as Tshabalala is a hometown boy, born in Soweto. Can't imagine what it would have been like to be in that stadium at that moment.
The goal definitely put some wind in South Africa's sails (Vuvuzela power might be a new source of renewable energy). They had the better of the 2nd half and had a few chances to increase their lead, probably the best chance falling to Teko Modise.
However the hosts couldn't capitalise and were made to pay for it. Poor communication in the defense left three of the back four rushing out to catch the Mexicans offside, but as the cross came in from the left, Mokoena stayed static, leaving 3 Mexicans onside. Rafael Marquez took time to bring it down and drill it past Khune from close range. Vuvuzela power went from 1000 decibels to 0 in 2 seconds!
Katlego Mphela, South Africa's in form striker (5 goals in 6 games) almost sent the home crowd into raptures in the penultimate minute when he was put through on goal. He rolled the ball past Perez but was denied by the post, what would be the last chance of the game.
South Africa looked deflated at the final whistle but they could be proud of their performance. I for one hardly think that a South African win would have been against the run of play, in what was definitely an even game.
What looked to be a slow and boring game early on definitely picked up, and was worthy of a World Cup opener. Both teams left themselves with some work to do. South Africa will need a win against Uruguay to ease the pressure on them going into their final game against France. They did themselves and their fans proud, and will hopefully go from strength to strength over the next few games.
30 minutes till the next game, France vs Uruguay.
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