Marquez cancels out Tshabalala strike in Jo’burg

Yesterday

S.Africa 1-1 Mexico
France  – Uruguay

Today

Argentina vs  Nigeria
Greece        vs   Korea
England     vs   USA

SOUTH Africa were denied a dream start to the 2010 World Cup after their opening Group A encounter with Mexico ended 1-1.

A sublime finish from Siphiwe Tshabalala had put Bafana Bafana within 11 minutes of victory; however Rafael Marquez levelled matters to ensure an absorbing contest finished all square.

Mexico, who dominated the first half, were made to pay for missing numerous chances when Tshabalala expertly latched on to Teko Modise’s through ball and calmly lashed the ball past Oscar Perez 10 minutes into the second half.

The celebration which followed was something special, however the majority of the 90,000 fans inside Soccer City were to be denied a famous win.

After offering little in the way of attacking threat during the second period, defensive midfielder Marquez neatly controlled Andres Guardado’s cross and fired home to level the scores.

Both sides pressed for a winner, and Katlego Mphela almost won it for the hosts but his last minute effort bounced back off a post.

Ends