Finally, the sunny June 11 smiled at the world and declared the 2010 World Cup officialy started. As tradition says, the host country must play in the first game of the competition. And there they were, fighting for the first 3 points in play, South Africa and Mexico.
SOUTH AFRICA vs. MEXICO 1-1 (0-0)
It was a first half that the Mexicans dominated throughtly. Shots from Osoria, Vela and (2x) Hernandez disturbed not only the African defense but also rattled the bar, before going out (Dos Santos). Perreira's team only managed to shoot twice (Tshabalala and Digkagoi), both coming from quick counterattacks. Second half started as noone would have predicted, Pienaar took a freekick from out wide, similar to a corner, which Mokoena knocked home with a powerful header. 1-0 and an entire stadium went wild. Game shifted back to its originial flow and finally substitute Guardado managed to cut in from the left to place a nice ball to the keeper's right, Mexico have equalised. The African defense won't surrender again though, led by the scorer Mokoena, so succeding in getting a point in a match in which they were dominated for more than 90 minutes.
MoM: Aaron Mokoena
URUGUAY vs. FRANCE 1-1 (0-1)
What was meant to be a spectacular encounter, with two attacking formations battling to get that one goal ahead, ended with just two identical goals. The first, scored quickly, before the 20th minute, by Anelka, after a right wing cross from Evra. The second, in the late 70's, when Forlan headed home a left wing cross from Pereira. The game was balanced overall, with both teams testing the opposition keepers several times ( 2x Forlan, Suarez & Eguren, Gourcuff, Anelka, 2x Ribery, Gallas). None of the teams should feel disappointed with the draw, thus joining South Africa and Mexico at 1 point each.
MoM: Jeremy Toulalan
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