What: 2010 FIFA World Cup
Who: South Africa vs Mexico
When: Friday 11th June, 2010, at 15:00 UK Time
Where: Soccer City, Johannesburg, South Africa
Benefit of 12th Man Factor
Few would give hosts South Africa much of a chance of escaping Group A, where they will compete with heavyweights France, veterans Uruguay and Mexico in order to qualify for the knockout stages. Having not lost since mid-October however, Bafana Bafana are quietly confident of producing a few shocks.
With not only a nation, but an entire continent behind them, South Africa will certainly not be lacking in motivation or support. Buoyed by their performance in the Confederations Cup in June as well, where they only narrowly missed out on third place, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will remind his boys they are capable of competing against the world’s best.
South Africa have impressively dispatched of Colombia and most recently Denmark in their last set of friendlies leading up to the World Cup, signs that Bafana Bafana will be going into their first match full of confidence.
On the Back of Aguirre Magic
Mexico were in danger of not qualifying for the World Cup had Javier Aguirre not stepped in for the disappointing Sven-Goran Eriksson. Upon his appointment, El Tri shot up from fifth to second place in the CONCACAF zone, restoring the side’s confidence as one of the region’s powerhouses.
Putting together an effective blend of youngsters and homegrown veterans, Aguirre put together a side that has found their character and self-belief. With a squad composed of experienced heads such as Rafael Marquez of Barcelona and Cuauhtémoc Blanco of Veracruz, combined with such young talents as Arsenal’s Carlos Vela, Tottenham Hotspur’s Giovani dos Santos and Manchester United-bound Javier Hernandez, Mexico’s squad will have the quality and experience to be a formidable force in Group A.
Although El Tri narrowly lost to Holland in their last set of friendlies before the World Cup, it will be their final match against Italy, where they beat the 2006 World Cup holders 2-1, which will be fresh in their minds when they kick off against South Africa on Thursday.
Recent form
South Africa:
South Africa 2-1 Colombia (27/05; Friendly)
South Africa 5-0 Guatemala (31/05; Friendly)
South Africa 1-0 Denmark (05/06; Friendly)
Mexico:
Holland 2-1 Mexico (26/05; Friendly)
Mexico 5-1 Gambia (30/05; Friendly)
Italy 1-2 Mexico (03/06; Friendly)
Players to watch
South Africa – Steven Pienaar: The 28-year-old midfielder will be Bafana Bafana’s main threat throughout the tournament. The crafty and speedy player, who was crowned Everton’s latest Player of the Year, will be the source of magic that South Africa need to succeed in the World Cup.
Mexico – Cuauhtémoc Blanco: The former Chicago Fire schemer is 36 years of age now, but his return to El Tri along with coach Javier Aguirre was vital in the return of confidence and belief to a reeling Mexico side. His effectiveness in distributing play and guiding the team’s youngsters will be invaluable to the their success.
Match prediction
Although South Africa will have the entire African continent on their side, Mexico’s ability to hold their own and compete against some of the world’s best teams will prove to be vital. El Tri will walk away victors in the first match of the World Cup 2-1.
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