Friday 11 June 2010

World Cup Match Report RSA v MEX (KO 1500)

Line up
RSA: Khune, Gaxa, Mokoena, Thwala, Khumalo, Tshabalala, Pienaar, Modise, Letsholonyane, Dikgacoi, Katlego Mphela Subs: Joseph, Walters, Masilela, Ngcongca, Booth, Siyabonga Sangweni, Sibaya, Davids, Moriri, Thanduyise Khunboni, Parker, Nomvethe

MEX: Perez, Rodriguez, Salcido, Marquez, Osorio, Aguilar, Juarez, Torrado, Franco, Vela, Giovani Subs: Ochoa, Michel, Moreno, Magallon, Torres, Barrera, Castro, Guardado, Blanco, Hernandez, Bautista, Alberto Medina.

Long-waited World Cup 2010 got under way at Soccer CIty Stadium. Mexico, with good record in Pre-World Cup friendlies, started with fluid 5-2-3 with attacking minded wing back willing to bombing down the both of flanks of South Africa.
Host nation, South Africa had good run in the friendlies too, beating Denmark in their final friendly match got them really hyped for the opening match. They started with 4-2-3-1, with Mphela on lone forward.

1st Half
With blasting noise of vuvuzela, match got under way and Mexico was dominant from the start. Within 2 minutes, in fact, they had excellent chance of scoring when South African Keeper, Kuhne, was unable to catch Aguilar's cross. It was, however, blazed away by Dos Santos. The game continued in Mexican's way and they had several chances to score, but they couldn't convert any of them. 31st minute's chance in particular, was easy chance for Franco to score but it was brilliantly saved by Khune. In late 1st half, RSA eventually saw a chance of scoring, created by Musisela's cross but Mphela couldn't convert it with his head.
End of 1st half 0-0
MOTM in the 1st half Giovani Dos Santos: he constantly challenged South African defence and created chances for Mexico.

2nd Half
The game restarted with Mexico in possession once again, but the tide started to turn as South Africa began to work as team and in 54th minute, with excellent counter attacking football, they were a goal up against Mexico. Mexico suddenly panicked and felt frustrated as they didn't have much room to manoeuvre like 1st half. However, defensive lapse occurred when Guardado whipped an fabulous ball into the box and it was sitter for Marquez to score. 1-1 and it seemed the match was heading to draw. But instead, South Africa had excellent chance created by Khune but Mphela failed to score as ball hit the post. Unlucky South Africa.
Final Score 1-1
MOTM in 2nd half Tshabalala for his energetic run and excellent strike.

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