The 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off TODAY with The Bafana Bafana of South Africa opening play in front of 91,000-plus in Johannesburg against Mexico, followed by 2006 finalists France trying to contain Diego Forlán and Uruguay at 2 p.m. EDT.
Mexico vs. South Africa: World Cup’s Opening Match Scoreless At Half
Three near goals from Mexico highlight the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, with El Tri going into halftime scoreless with host South Africa.
Guillermo Franco, Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela have all come close to opening the scoring, with a Vela chested ball from a corner kick finding the net before it was called by for offside. Franco had a chance on a bouncing ball seven years out that was saved by Itumeleng Khune, while a Giovani does Santos left footed shot from the arc went two feet wide of Khune’s right post in the middle of the half.
Read Article >World Cup 2010 Schedule, Preview: South Africa Vs. Mexico Kicks Off Day 1
Where They Stand: First match of the tournament means each team sits on no points. South Africa could either be emboldened by home pitch advantage or be the team that Mexico, France and Uruguay need maximum points against, lest they be left behind. For South Africa, the event is more important than the result, which is not to say they don’t want the points. It’s a historic day for the country. The national team’s performance is just one part of it.
Where They Stand: France has struggled in the run-up to the World Cup. Friendlies shouldn’t be taken too seriously, but losing to China seemed to cause concern. Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has hinted he will go with a defensive lineup in reverence to France’s skill, perhaps conceding he would be happy with one point.
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