South Africa v Mexico, Soccer City, Johannesburg
There were obviously some nerves with the hosts early on against Mexico. Mexico dominated possession and were creating chances. Towards the end of the first half though, Bafana Bafana began to settle in. The first half was goaless. In the second half, South Africa were the stronger. Then some great combinations in the midfield saw Tshbalala slipped in behind Mexico's defense, before blasting it into the top corner, as the hosts went up. Mexico were not giving up though, as they fought back with Marquez beating the offsides trap and beating Khune brilliantly. South Africa wanted all 3 points and Mphela looked to have them in the 90th minute, but was denied by the woodwork. The match ended South Africa 1.1 Mexico. A positive start for Bafana Bafana.
France v Uruguay, Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
The first half played out slowly with only one great chance, on a perfect ball in from Ribery that was somehow put wide. Uruguay's defense was good, and it looked comfortable keeping Ribery and Anelka from getting too dangerous. France still looked the stronger after the 0.0 first half, and continued to create half chances. But in the 81st, Uruguay were reduced to 10 men following a second yellow card for Lodeiro on a reckless challenge on Sagna. It appeared France had a penalty in the 89th when, ironically, Henry blasted the ball off of an Uruguain arm, but the protests were ignored, as the strong Uruguay defense held France goaless. Final score: France 0.0 Uruguay
Group A
As it stands, all of the teams are level on 1 pt following all draws in the opening match to South Africa 2010.
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