The World Cup opened with two draws — one a classic, the other a slog.
South Africa jumpstarted its campaign as hosts with an enthralling 1-1 draw against Mexico, while France continued its decline with an insipid scoreless draw against Uruguay in a foul-marred contest.
In what will be remembered as one of the great opening day games, a determined South Africa played Mexico to a 1-1 draw that was far more thrilling that the final scoreline suggests. But the result was surely the best the hosts could have asked for in a game where they were roundly outplayed at times. Mexico is left to rue its profligacy and has concern about its own defensive frailties, especially against the counter attack.
The hosts looked nervous and disorganized throughout much of the first half, withering under consistent Mexican pressure. Gio Dos Santos and Guillermo Franco were simply too hot for Bafana Bafana to handle, and it took a series of yeoman saves from Itumeleng Khune to keep South Africa in the game. But as the game wore on, doubts began to creep in — despite a plethora of chances, El Tri could not put the ball into the net.
Then, 10 minutes after the restart, a moment of brilliance from Kagiso Dikgacoi as he threaded the ball downfield to Siphiwe Tshabalala with a pass that split three defenders, leading to what may ultimately be judged the goal of the tournament. Tshabalala’s left-footed shot screamed across the face of the net to the far post, giving Oscar Perez no chance at stopping it.
Until then, there had been serious questions asked as to whether or not the hosts could play at this level. In front of 84,490 fans at Soccer City, and with the world watching, they answered in the affirmative. The relief in the stadium — and perhaps across Africa — was palpable, and even if South Africa is unable to do little else, they will justifiably be remembered for that one moment.
Mexico, showing a resolve that has not often been ascribed to them, fought back, finally capitalizing on what truly had been a woeful defensive effort across the board by the hosts. Rafa Marquez was the man on the spot, slamming home the equalizer at the near post with 12 minutes to play. It was no less than Mexico deserved, and on balance, the Tris came away as the better-looking side.
The second match of the night was far less compelling.
France and Uruguay made fans endure a dull 90 minutes in Cape Town, and Les Bleus have to be worried about their continued impotence — especially in the face of lesser opposition. In an ugly game that Japanese ref Yuichi Nishimura lost control of, Uruguay will pay the steeper costs; they face a spell without Ajax man Nicholas Lodeiro, who was ejected (two yellows) after a brutal, deliberate foul on France’s Bacary Sagna. The foul actually deserved a direct red and it will be interesting to see if the FIFA Disciplinary Committee sends an early message by suspending Lodeiro beyond the statutory single game.
Uruguay did little on the night other than defend as Luis Suarez, allegedly its most creative player, utterly failed to get involved; and Atletico Madrid star Diego Forlan unable to shoulder the load himself. What Uruguay did do is defend tenaciously; attacking the ball and stymieing a French side that often seemed baffled by the pace.
France never was able to string passes together or ignite what should be a potent attack. Franck Ribery and Nicolas Anelka flickered in and out of the game, and the goat of the night surely has to be Sidney Govou, who missed a sitter in the eighth minute that should have set the tone for the entire night. Yes, young Uruguayan 'keeper Fernando Muslera was forced to make a couple quality saves, but the French on the balance never looked seriously capable. It was but the latest in a series of disappointments for a team whose morale is very low.
South Africa now hosts Uruguay Wednesday while Mexico face reeling France on Thursday. Group A is wide-open for the taking.
Tomorrow
Group B gets underway with South Korea vs. Greece (7:30 am EDT) and Argentina vs. Nigeria (10:00 am EDT). Group C begins with England vs. USA (2:30 pm EDT). Away from your TV? You can follow all games live right here on FOXSoccer.com and on Twitter (follow @championsonfox).
Must-see TV
Skip South Korea vs. Greece unless you’re from either of those countries. But do not miss Argentina-Nigeria and England-USA, two powerhouse games early on in this tournament.
Players to watch: Argentina’s Lionel Messi, the USA’s Oguchi Onyewu and England’s Wayne Rooney. Messi has underperformed with his national side — this is a perfect opportunity for him to stake a claim. USA manager Bob Bradley insists the gimpy Onyweu can go a full 90 minutes; Rooney is sure to test that from the opening whistle. This is a critical game for the Americans, who will surely be delighted with a draw.
