Bafana Bafana of South Africa and El Tricolores of Mexico play out an entertaining 1-1 draw in the opening match of Group ‘A’ in the FIFA 2010 World cup.
Here is my analysis of an exciting match which took place in Orlando, South Africa.

South Africa’s starting line-up:

• Itumeleng Khune (GK)
• Lucas Thwala (Defender)
• Khumalo (Defender)
• Aaron Mokoena (Defender)
• Siboniso Gaxa (Defender)
• Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Midfielder)
• Kagisho Di Kgacoi (Midfielder)
• Siphiwe Tshabalala (Midfielder)
• Tsholofelo Modise (Midfielder)
• Steve Pienaar (Midfielder)
• Katlego Mphela (Striker)

Coach Carlos Pareira

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa started the game rather slowly, allowing the Mexican’s to put pressure on them in the opening 20 minutes. They occasionally showed good touches in the midfield, but were sloppy at times. Mphela was used as the main striker with Pienarr playing behind him. The latter was guilty of missing a couple of good chances in both halves.
The midfield was able to co-ordinate itself much better in the second half. The duo of Modise and Tshabalala played quite well moving down either flanks and supporting the attack on the counter. However, poor finishing let them down in the final third. The result was a superb goal (even Messi would be green with envy) from Tshabalala after a delightful through pass from the midfield area.
Mokoena’s lack of communication and concentration led to Mexico’s equalizer. He and Khumalo had a descent game nevertheless.

My verdict is a 3/5 star performance.

Mexico’s starting line-up:

• Oscar Perez (Gk)
• Carlos Salcido (Defender)
• Francisco Rodriguez (Defender)
• Ricardo Osorio (Defender)
• Paul Aguilar (Midfielder)
• Gerardo Torrado (Midfielder)
• Rafa Marquez (Defender)
• Efrain Juarez (Midfielder)
• Giovani Dos Santos (Striker)
• Guillermo Franco (Striker)
• Carlos Vela (Striker)

Coach Javier Aguire

El Tricolores as the Mexican national team is known, got off to a great start. They seemed to be unfazed by the roaring fans , mostly supporting South Africa. The attacking trio of Vela, Franco and Santos was a handful for the Bafana Bafana defense.
They showed class in the midfield anchored by Torrado their skipper. Typical of the Mexicans, they were able to dominate possession and determine the pace of the game.
Tactical changes by Coach Javier Aguire saw Mexico stepping up the tempo in search of the equalizer. They finally got their breakthrough when Marquez found himself unmarked in the six yard box. The Barcelona defender slotted the ball home in style. The defense was suspect as it lacked the pace to recover whenever the South African players got behind them.

My verdict is a 3.5/5 performance

Overall, both teams played well and the match could have ended with each side scoring 3 or more goals. Final score; South Africa (1) Mexico (1).
My man of the match was Giovanni Dos Santos of Mexico.

I have made this analysis very brief in order not to bore you with too many details. If you have any comments, please feel free to share.

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