A decent opening match saw a first-half display from South Africa that looked to prove many pundit’s predictions right as they were sloppy in possession and ragged at the back. It took a well blocked shot by SA keeper Khuna and a goal ruled out for offside to keep the score level as Dos Santos pulled the strings for Mexico.
After the break the hosts began pressing much more vigorously and higher up the pitch and early in the half they got their reward as a quick exchange of passes and a superb through ball put Tshabalala away and his left-footed shot found the top-corner of Perez’s goal.
This gave the home nation plenty of encouragement and saw them tackling and passing with a lot more assurance. Mexico pressed and pressed for an equalizer but their was little room in Bafana Bafana’s crowded midfield and it was the home side who came close on occasion with some swift break-aways. But with 10mins to go South Africa were undone by more terrible defending from a set piece as Marquez found himself unmarked to prod home after the breakdown of a free kick. Probably a fair result in the end.
What I learned about South Africa: They have quite a good goalie
What I learned about Mexico: They need a striker as they lack a cutting edge
Uruguay 0-0 France
An edgy game that saw neither team display much in the way of attacking football. Uruguay began deep and invited the French on to them but, Govou’s miss aside, never really threatened. Forlan managed to get on the end of a couple of counter attacks as the Uruguayans grew in stature as the half drew on.
Second half started much the same as the South Americans again played deep with their opponents unable to create much. Both teams made some positive substitutions but to little avail. Even when Uruguay went down to ten men with over 10mins left, France failed to capitalize. A poor game between the unadventurous and the inspiration less.
What I learned about Uruguay: Forlan cant do it all on his own
What I learned about Mexico: They lack invention, inspiration and passion……but then I knew that already I suppose
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