Headline PH: Mexico dent South Africa World Cup dream start

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) – Host nation South Africa got their continent's first World Cup off to a thrilling start by scoring the tournament's opening goal in a spirited 1-1 draw with Mexico on Friday.

Siphiwe Tshabalala's stunning 55th-minute strike had most of the 85,000 fans in Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium - and an entire country - on their feet.

Mexican veteran Rafael Marquez equalised in the 79th minute, but only a post denied South Africa a famous late victory when striker Katlego Mphela was denied by the woodwork.

South Africa's Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira praised his side - ranked 83rd in the world - for holding their nerve in a match many had expected them to lose.

"As the game progressed, the players became more relaxed and I think the players have broken the ice in terms of playing in a competition like this," said the Brazilian.

"Most of our team are a home-based team, players who are not used to this big environment, and we tried hard to adapt to this ambience, but after 15 minutes we started playing our game, putting the ball on the ground.

"The draw keeps us alive in the competition."

Mexico's coach Javier Aguirre said his team had failed to capitalise on their early domination.

"I think we had a very good first half, but we weren't capable of really putting away our chances," said Aguirre.

"Both teams are going away with a bitter-sweet taste and now we are forced to beat France in our next game."

by David Legge
AFP

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