World Cup 2010 – Opening Match
June 13th, 2010Opening Ceremony World Cup 2010
The grand opening ceremony of World Cup 2010 took place about 2 hour before starting match between South Africa and Mexico. After the opening ceremony the excitement was certainly growing and all spectators on stadium and all around the world in front of the TV screens were waiting for one to start of the first game at 16h.
The first half certainly went to Mexicans. The hosts somehow weren’t best coped in the great atmosphere in front of more than 85 000 people and the ball was left to the Mexican footballers. The whole game relied on a slow play, starting from the defensive Mexican players through the midfield, which quickly switched the ball to the attackers. Giovanni Dos Santos and Carlos Vela were particularly inspired and both Mexican wings were involved in finishing attack. They made few very good opportunities but failed to realize that great chances so at the end of the first half Africans almost punished them with severe strikes. First half ended without goals and domestic team could go on break satisfied with score.
Second half was quite different from first. On the very beginning Mexicans tried to play game from first 30 minutes of match, with slow building attacks through both flanks delivered ball to attackers but failed again to realize chances. Despite defensive play Africans were dangerous in counter attacks and managed to score for lead. Tshabalala was the scorer; latching on to a long diagonal through-ball he broke into the penalty box and scored with left-footed shot high into the opposite corner. Stadium exploded on this beautiful goal and Mexicans were shocked with superb shot. After a leading goal Bafana played even better, not allowing Javier Aguirre’s team to bring ball forward to attackers failing to put pressure on home defense. Despite they werent playing well in the second part of second half Barcelonas defender Rafael Marquez managed to equalize to 1-1 shocking the Soccer City stadium.
Match ended draw although the Bafana failed to realize an excellent opportunity just before the end of the game hitting the post. For conclusion must be stated that score was fair for both teams and both didnt deserve to lose this opening game.
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