Bafana draw with Mexico

Posted: Jun 11 2010

Siphiwe Tshabalala opened the scoring for South Africa before Rafael Marquez replied as the opening match of the Fifa World Cup ended 1-1.

But really it was a chance missed to the take three points as Bafana had some excellent scoring chances in the second half.

Siphiwe Tshabalala’s 55th-minute thunderbolt into the top corner gave Bafana Bafana the lead and gave Bafana the confidence they were lacking in the first half.

But a lapse in concentration at the back allowed Rafael Marquez to poke home a set piece unmarked at the far post.

In the closing minutes Katlego Mphela thundered down on goal and made space to shoot, but saw his shot trickle off the post.

Earlier Teko Modise had also squandered a good chance, shooting into the goalkeeper when, like Mphela, he should have scored.

Mexico started the more comfortable team, using the width of the field well and turning Lucas Thwala around a few times.

Thwala was replaced at half time by Tsepo Masilela.

In the best chance of the first half for Bafana, Siphiwe Tshabalala’s cross was a fraction too high for Katlego Mphela to get his head onto.

Mexico forward Guillermo Franco was thwarted at close range by Itumeleng Khune after an excellent chip pass on the half hour mark.

Soon after Mexico had the ball in the net only to be adjudged offside after Khune came out for a corner, but never got to the ball.

Carlos Alberto Parreira and his team will be disappointed at not having punished Mexico when the match had swung into their favour after the opening goal.

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Louis : 2010-06-11 18:21

At least we got a draw, good luck BB to uruguay game.

Mother T : 2010-06-11 18:31

Well done boys, yes we lost chances - lets go and polish on that - but well done, we definitely gave the mexicans a run for their money. They should go and claim their special offer from Nandos anyway.. well done BB!!

PSJ4 : 2010-06-11 18:32

Plz don't play Pienaar next time

44Passes : 2010-06-11 18:33

Well done boyz. 1point is much better from Mexico. Lets try 3poins against Uruguay. Shapa BB shapaaa!

kunle : 2010-06-11 18:55

am very happy with d performance of d south africans 2dy.keep it up guyz wel done.

Vivili : 2010-06-11 18:56

Aish sorie gs next time maar de mexicans r strong lo seventeen uyatshisa.next time we wil b irie france here we kom warned!

ceehle27 : 2010-06-11 18:59

WOW! Shabba. What a goal! We absorbed their pressure very well, untill you know who played 3 opponents on side. Its a pity cause He always performs well and makes 1 vital error in every game. But with that said, great game for thee Captain. Modise needs to be more assertive and take his chances first time, and know how to use simple tactics in the box, like shielding the ball from the opponent. Eg. If the marker is on the left, then move the ball to your right, simple. I remember a player who was a headache for chiefs, Chukwu i think his name was, and he used both of his feet very well. But the boy is shining(Teko) with his skill and positioning and passing, mmm mmm mmm. Boy you are going far. I think we should work more on our finishing. Otherwise, Great game boys. Make sure we get 3 points from Uragua

SABELO : 2010-06-11 19:00

atleast our WC did not start with a dull 0-0 Draw, the game was great, hope we win our next game.

Vivili : 2010-06-11 19:45

Aish sorie gs next time maar de mexicans r strong lo seventeen uyatshisa.next time we wil b irie france here we kom warned!

Vivili : 2010-06-11 23:28

Aish sorie gs next time maar de mexicans r strong lo seventeen uyatshisa.next time we wil b irie france here we kom warned!