Mexico Vs. South Africa Recap
June 11, 2010 in Soccer (futbol)
The World Cup got underway this morning with a game between host country South Africa and Mexico.
****SPOILER ALERT***** If you do not want to hear the end result, come back later!
Mexico came out of the gate firing. They pushed their defense up and really hit it hard. The score should have been 2-0 in favor of Mexico at the end of the first half, but an off sidesc all and a few post hits kept the score 0-0 at the end of the first half. South Africa looked like they had a bit of nerves and who can blame them. They only have the eyes of the world on them, and the hope of a nation on them as the host country. No big deal, right?
During the second half, Siphiwe TSHABALALA hit a nice ball in the 55th minute off of his natural left foot that hit the far corner. Truly a beautiful shot. Only fitting the host country gets the first goal of the tourney and it is an awesome goal at that. But then Rafael MARQUEZ in the 79th minute took a cross from a teammate and tapped it in for the equalizer. The game would end in a 1-1 draw.
Personally, I think Mexico should have won 2-1 or even 3-1. They should have took advantage of the South Africa team in the first half. The South African team had nerves that could be expected. They didn’t play up to their potential and Mexico should have hit them when they were down. Instead, South Africa was able to battle back, calm the nerves and keep a 1-1 draw which is HUGE for the host country.
I also want to share the significance of the first goal of the tournament by host country South Africa. South Africa is a proud nation. Their team is the lowest rank FIFA team to ever host a World Cup. Most people don’t expect to get out of the first round, and some don’t even expect them to put up a W. People talked about South Africa not being able to host the World Cup. They aren’t ready. They can’t hold the people. They aren’t advanced enough. They can’t protect the people. With all this B.S. surrounding the country, the nation is still behind their team. They cheer, chant, dance and use whatever they can to show their support. And then in the ’55th minute of the first game. Siphiwe TSHABALALA shows the world that South Africa is here. They are ready. They can do it. They will do it or they will give everything they have trying. This was a significant moment in the tournament that I think a lot of people will over look. This is the reason I love sports. This is the reason I love World Cup. A little thing like putting a little ball into the back of the net can bring hope to a nation.
Sports are truly great. France/Uruguay next!