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South Africa draws 1-1 with Mexico in World Cup opener

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-06-12 08:56

South Africa's Siphiwe Tshabalala (2nd L) dances with team mates after he scored the first goal against Mexico during their 2010 World Cup opening match at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 11, 2010. [Agencies]

Special Coverage:  2010 South Africa World Cup

Beyond the personal heartbreak, the tragedy stole a moment of triumph from the 91-year-old anti-apartheid leader, who campaigned to bring the World Cup to his nation despite skepticism it could be pulled off. Mandela mourned with his family and opted not to attend the match or the colorful opening ceremony that preceded it.

Early in the match, Mexico coach Javier Aguirre kept his word as the Mexicans attacked in force from the kickoff. The hosts could have been a goal down inside the first two minutes when goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune fumbled a low cross. Giovani Dos Santos was presented with an easy shot at goal but South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena rescued his team with a well-timed block.

The attack-minded Mexicans continued to create chances but lacked accuracy and, when Carlos Vela had the ball in the net from a flicked-on corner, it was disallowed for offside.

"We weren't able to finish," Aguirre said. "I think the team missed a couple of really good opportunities and things got really complicated when they scored the opening goal. We then became chaotic."

Forced to defend for most of the time, the South Africans posed few threats but went close just before halftime. Tshabalala's cross from the left found Mphela unmarked in front of goal but he failed to reach it with only the goalkeeper to beat.

"We could have won, we could have lost," Aguirre said. "Let's see what happens with France and Uruguay and then we can see if this result is good or bad. I think both teams are going away with a bitter taste. But that's what we've got. We now have to beat France."

Later Friday, France and Uruguay faced each other in the other Group A match.

"The team that makes four points will qualify." Parreira said. "Whatever happens against Uruguay, this group will be decided in the last game against France."

Lineups:

South Africa: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Bongani Khumalo, Aaron Mokoena, Lucas Thwala (Tsepo Masilela, 45), Teko Modise, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Steven Pienaar (Bernard Parker, 83), Katlego Mphela.

Mexico: Oscar Perez, Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Salcido, Rafael Marquez, Ricardo Osorio, Gerardo Torrado, Guillermo Franco (Javier Hernandez, 73), Carlos Vela (Cuauhtemoc Blanco, 68), Paul Aguilar (Andres Guardado, 56), Efrain Juarez, Giovani Dos Santos.