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.
Roger Rational
Guest
The vuvuzelas are really spoiling the atmosphere. One of the joys of watching a World Cup is sampling the different types of atmosphere generated by different fan cultures. It would be nice to hear the England fans belting out Rule Britannia or the Dutch fans chanting their brilliant songs but, alas, all we can hear is the incessant drone of plastic horns.
Steve
Guest
The opening ceremony aside the atmosphere in South Africa is electric. I partied to the early hours of the morning , in Durban, with most of the population kitted out in their South African colours blowing vuvuzelas where ever they went(woke up with a painful hangover).
Mister Football
Roar Guru
It was a game worthy of opening a World Cup. This may not be PC, but despite the symbolism and significance of the first WC in Africa, I was quite underwhelmed by the opening ceremony.
Midfielder
Guest
Great night.... loved the concert and the opening ... what about Desmond Tutu ... matches were quite good as well.
Dejan Kalinic
Roar Guru
Is that as a result of alcohol or just drowsiness? :)
Farqwar
Guest
Thanks for the re-cap Dejan, unfortunately the occassion got to me and my recollections of the game are a bit sketchy, so I am waiting for the replay before I can make any worthwhile comments. Though it looked like a good game, great goal by SA!
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
It's a good question as they appear to be a side that operates of confidence. I'm not sure how they'd go chasing a game however on last night's performance there's no reason to believe they cannot progress.
Dejan Kalinic
Roar Guru
I was impressed by their second half performance. Pressed higher up the park and it helped improvement in attack and defensively. Can they get through the group?
Ben of Phnom Penh
Guest
It was a good game and the goal was an absolute cracker.