It had it all. A cracking goal, a cursed post, missed chances and a red card – a dramatic opening night of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. One man, a national hero, put his hat in the ring for early billing for goal of the tournament and the best name we’ve seen yet.
It didn’t look promising early on for Bafana Bafana, as their more highly rated opposition held the lion’s share of possession but failed to capitalize.
More than 80 per cent in the opening 15 minutes, but it was Arsenal young gun Carlos Vela who came closest, finding the net before being correctly ruled offside.
The late surge came in the opening period from the host nation, but they too failed to capitalize from a number of corners late on.
The game took a turn for the better on 55 minutes.
The wonderfully named Siphiwe Tshabalala struck a rocket into the top corner of the net after being thread behind the Mexican defence.
A stunning strike and Soccer City erupted. Fans must have sung the rhythmic Tsha-ba-la-la all the way home.
It was an inspiring second half performance from South Africa, loosening its cautious approach.
But impressive Mexican substitute Andres Guardado set up Rafael Marquez, who hammered home the equalizer with 10 minutes to play.
Then, the post. The dying moments and Katlego Mphela struck the woodwork after beating a disinterested Mexican keeper, Oscar Perez.
The home fans would have cursed the post, a cruel way to end a superb contest.
Sure, two points lost for the hosts, but encouragement gained by the locals, particularly after France and Uruguay played out a scoreless draw hours later.
The French dominated but were unable to find the net, even in the latter stages when Uruguay had substitute Nicolas Lodeiro sent off for a second bookable offence.
Ironically, France’s substitute Thierry Henry had a handball shout turned down late in the game in the penalty area.
One senses even Henry felt the irony as South Africans sung Tsha-ba-la-la on the streets after a dramatic opening night.
BEST GOAL: Siphiwe Tshabalala (South Africa)
HATE TO BE: Oscar Perez (Mexico) – a horror performance where the Mexican keeper seemed more interested in playing the role of the sweeper than the shot stopper. He lost the Jabulani ball numerous times through the air, particularly from corners, and was lucky not to be beaten more than once.
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