FIFA WC: S Africa draw 1-1 with Mexico

The first encounter of FIFA World Cup 2010 between South Africa and Mexico ended in a 1-1 draw.

Zeenews Bureau

Johannesburg: The first encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2010 ended in a 1-1 draw with both the hosts South Africa and Mexico playing a top notch game to set the stage for the second match of the night. Mexico came up with a magical equalizer in the 79th minute to keep their tempo up against the South Africans. Rafael Márquez was the man with the goal of life for his team after they had dominated the game in most of the stages. Siphiwe Tshabalala became the first goal scorer of the World Cup with his superb kick to give the hosts a 1-0 lead over Mexico in the 55th minute of the match. Mexico had piled on the pressure against South Africa through the first half of the World Cup`s opening match, but failed to break through the host`s defense.Giovanni Dos Santos made a run through the center and curled a left-footed shot high and wide of the left post in the 19th minute from inside the area Friday. The host nation had a chance two minutes earlier on a free kick from about 25 yards, but Steven Pienaar sent it way over the crossbar.Mexico had a good chance to take the lead in the second minute when midfielder Paul Aguilar`s cross from the right was fumbled by South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune. The ball fell to Dos Santos, but his shot was blocked by defender Aaron Mokoena in a last-ditch tackle.