It was very unfortunate that the day had to start with such terrible news. The tragic death of Nelson Mandela's great granddaughter in a car accident just before the start of the World Cup, cast a dark cloud over proceedings in Johannesburg. She was only 13 years old and, understandably, Mr. Mandela was therefore unable to attend the games. I'm sure the world is united in passing on it's deepest condolences to the Mandela family.
Sepp Blatter and Jacob Zuma gave a quick, but moving message to the jam-packed Soccer City Stadium and announced the Mr. Mandela himself wanted the games to start and so they did. As both National Anthems were sung, you could sense the excitement all around as finally, after 4 years, the games begun once again.
The game itself ended in a draw but was a wonderful and fully passionate one. Once it kicked off, it was obvious the Mexican's weren't just here to make up the numbers. There was a game to be won and they showed some silky skills throughout it.
I was particularly impressed with Dos Santos. The Tottenham player (who was out on loan to Galatasaray this season) did everything a good attacking midfielder should do throughout, creating some great chances and having a blasted shot unbelievably parried away by spiderman-esque Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and hero for the night, Itumeleng Khune.
In fact, it was the South Africans, much against the run of play, that scored the opening goal. And what a goal it was. Worthy of starting off any world cup, that's for sure. Mexico were throwing men forward and leaving themselves a little exposed at the back, midway through the first half and Siphiwe Tshabalala took full advantage of a wonderfully slotted, through ball by Teko Modise who split the defence wide open.
Tshabalala still had some work to do but after taking a couple of quick touches, he thundered a wonderful shot, right into the top corner, setting Soccer City alight with vuvuzela joy! In truth, the strike couldn't have been crisper or more top-corner either. Something any striker would have been super proud of...*I've scored a couple like that in my time, so I should know*... ;)
But credit to Mexico, they didn't let their heads down and just over 10 minutes from time, got the draw they deserved. A cross from Andres Guardado from the left and Barcelona centre back Rafael Márquez was on hand to control and smash the ball home from close range.
The other game saw a slightly more eventless draw between Uruguay vs France played out in Cape Town stadium. The highlight of which was probably the first sending off of the tournament which went to Uruguay's young, promising striker Nicolás Lodeiro for a second bookable offence after a dirty challenge on Bacary Sagna.
In fact, overall, I was rather dissapointed with both France and Uruguay's performance although the latter will probably be the happier of the two with this result.
France started brightly enough and pressed, looking to take the initiative throughout the first half with Diego Forlan, having Uruguay's only real chance after cutting in from the left and letting fly with powerful shot, only to see Hugo Lloris parry away to safety.
But as the game wore on, you could almost sense the two heading for the bore draw. In fact, it was probably only in the last quater, after the sending off that France finally pressed and looked for that winner but it was to no avail.
So, group A has all 4 teams, even on 1 point a piece. Probably a fair result for all parties.
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