The first fixture of FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa will be the match between hosts South Africa and Mexico at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. Few would believe the South Africans have much chance of escaping Group A, but over the past year
Bafana Bafana have quietly produced their share of shocks. Defeating Colombia and Denmark in recent friendlies will have the hosts full of confidence before Friday's opener.
Bafana Bafana also showed what they are capable of last year at the Confederation's Cup where they held Brazil to just one goal and forced Spain into an overtime win. With the entire country backing them, South Africa have shown they have a few tricks of their own. Javier Aguirre will lead Mexico into this match on the heels of some good performances of his own. Last week's 2-1 defeat of Italy shows the attacking danger of the Latin American country. 36-year-old Cuauhtemoc Blanco returns with the squad and will be invaluable with his leadership and experience.
Group A: South Africa vs MexicoDate: 11 June 2010, 15:00 CET
Stadium: Soccer City, Johannesburg
Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)
South Africa:Keeper: Itumeleng Khune
Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa, Aaron Mokoena, Lucas Thwala, Bongani Thumalo
Midfielders: Macbeth Sibaya, Steven Pienaar, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kagisho Dikgacoi
Forwards: Katlego Mphela, Bernard Parker
Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira
Injured:
Booked:
Mexico:
Keeper: Oscar Perez
Defenders: Ricardo Osorio, Carlos Salcido, Rafael Marquez, Francisco Rodriguez
Midfielders: Carlos Vela, Pablo Barrera, Israel Castro, Gerrardo Torrado
Forwards: Giovani Dos Santos, Javier Hernandez
Coach: Javier Aguirre
Injured:
Booked:
Both teams are dark horses to go far in this tournament and both countries hopeful their team can surprise the big dogs. South Africa will have an advantage because they have been playing in this climate and on these pitches for years. Mexico trained in Bavaria, which has a similar climate and they will be used to the heat. The match will be called by Uzbekistan referee Ravshan Irmatov.
Last duel: 8 July 2005, South Africa - Mexico 2:1
Wins South Africa: 1
Wins Mexico: 0
Draws: 0
Both sides are evenly matched but the hosts will have country and crowd behind them, so expect South Africa not to lose.
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