Hosts Nearly Escape With Win Over Mexico
After an incredible opening ceremony to the 2010 World Cup betting tournament in Johannesburg, it was fitting that the first goal scored in an African-hosted World Cup game was scored by one of it’s own nation’s. Host South Africa opened the scoring against Mexico in their Group A match on Friday, as Sipiwe Tshabalala fired a laser strike past the Mexican goalkeeper and just below where the crossbar and upright meet in the left corner. The tally sent the crowd in to a dizzying roar as it became apparent to fans of the beloved “Bafana Bafana” that a victory was very much an accomplishable feat. After being dominated for most of the first half, suddenly the tide began to turn and a more confident South African group emerged.
The Mexicans however would eventually get on the board however, as three Mexicans beat the offside trap on a long cross and found themselves alone behind the South African defense, allowing Rafael Marquez to bury the tying goal. That ball was actually the second of the game to cross the South African goal line, as Mexico was called for an offside on a potential goal earlier in the first half.
South Africa came close to stunning the world in the final minutes when striker Katlego Mphela broke through and hit the post on an excellent chance that would have surely sealed the betting contest. The final result however, a 1-1 tie, leaves both teams very much alive going forward with two games remaining in the group stages.