South Africa vs Mexico
11 June, 2010 7:30 PM IST
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Referee: Irmatov Ravshan (Uzbekistan)
After what seemed like an almost indefinite countdown The World Cup finally kicks off on June 11th at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. South Africa take on Mexico in what is a crucial match for the host nation. The organizers will be hoping that South Africa qualifies out of their group and give the home fans something to cheer about.
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South Africa:
Steven Pienaar South Africa Team
Likely Line Up: {4-4-2} Khune(GK), Gaxa, Masilela, Khumalo, Mokoena(C), Tshabalala, Pienaar, Modise, Sibaya, Parker, Mphela
Being placed in a tough group with former winners France and Uruguay make it absolutely essential that the host nation gain a good result from their opening match against the technically gifted Mexicans. All time leading goalscorer Benni McCarthy will not be leading the line for South Africa after a poor season in which he struggled with injuries and was accused of being overweight. South Africa will place much hope on the shoulders of Steven Pienaar, who is easily the country’s most talented footballer. The Everton midfielder will surely be zeroed in on by opposition defences and his ability to link up with Parker and Mphela will be absolutely essential if the host nation are to progress. Mphela will be expected to recreate some of the form he showed in last summer’s Confederations Cup.
Mexico:
Likely Line Up: {4-3-3} Perez (GK), Rodriguez, Osorio, Salcido, Aquilar, Torrado, Marquez, Juarez, Fernandez, Vela, Dos Santos
Mexican Delight?
The Mexicans are a technically gifted team who like to move the ball quick and with pace. The attacking trident of Vela, Dos Santos, and Javier Fernandez can trouble any defense in the world if (and that is a big if) it clicks. Recent Manchester United signing Fernandez will be looking to show his future employers what he is truly capable of. Mexico are in a good vein of form as exhibited by their recent friendly victory against Italy. They will be led out once again by Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez, who has served his country near flawlessly for the past decade.
Prediction: Host nations have traditionally done well in the past. The South African support is second to none and buoyed by their 90,000 plus screaming fans they will certainly be confident of obtaining a result. Mexico on paper seem to be the stronger team, and head into this match already having taken a few scalps. However, I believe that history can provide a glimpse of the future, and that South Africa are destined to do well in the tournament.
Predicted Scoreline: South Africa 2-1 Mexico
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