Hosts South Africa launched their FIFA World Cup campaign with a gritty display by hosting strong contenders Mexico to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Group-A league opener. Backed by a vociferous home crowd,the hosts very nearly pulled off an upset victory by snatching the lead early in the second session but the Mexicans restored parity late in the half to save the blushes in a keenly contested game at the magnificent Soccer City stadium. After a barren opening session,the hosts sent the nearly capacity crowd into a frenzy by taking the lead barely five minutes into the second half with midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala producing a gem of a goal. After receiving a superb through pass,Tshabalala pierced through the defence with deft footwork and unleashed a booming pile-driver which sailed past the Mexican custodian Oscar Perez. The goal virtually served as a tonic for the hosts as they suddenly looked a transformed side and kept their fancied opponents under pressure with a barrage of attacks. But the euphoria of taking the lead did not last long with the Mexicans finding the equaliser in the 79th minute when defender Rafael Marquez found the target much to the relief of his teammates. The equaliser was the result of a measured cross from Andres Guardado which found an unmarked Marquez lurking inside the South African box. The Barcelona defender took his time and slotted in from close range,giving custodian Itumeleng Khune no chance at all. The South Africans,however,got a chance to tilt the balance in their favour in the 89th minute of the contest when striker Katlego Mphela broke through the defence but his shot hit the upright with the rival custodian out of position.
