The moment will finally arrive on Friday, June 11. For the first ever time in the history of the sport, a soccer ball will be kicked on African soil in a FIFA World Cup match.
South African fans march and blow Vuvuzela horns in support of Bafana Bafana.This will at last happen when South Africa, the 2010 FIFA World Cup’s host nation, will battle it out against CONCACAF Gold Cup defending champions Mexico. It is the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg which will host such an honorable match. There will be plenty to look out for in this game that will be played just after opening ceremony which is expected to rock the world with some African flavor.
In his own words, South Africa president Jacob Zuma explained how historic the World Cup, which will begin with the South Africa vs Mexico fixture, is. He said on Wednesday:
“There are a few moments that define a nation’s history. We stand on the threshold of one as we draw closer and closer to Friday, June 11 when the World Cup officially begins.”
The clock indicates that the moment isn’t far away indeed. Fans around the world cannot wait for it to begin. Now in the meantime, the two teams concerned are also putting finishing touches to their preparations. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana know exactly how wonderful it will be to offer joy through victory for the millions of South African fans that will show their support by blowing Vuvuzela horns.
Likewise, Mexico are very much aware of the immense respect they will acquire from the rest of the world if they can call silence to reign upon the Soccer City Stadium by defeating the 2010 World Cup hosts at the end of proceedings. The meaning of this opener is certainly beyond the understanding of most football-loving fans. But South Africa and Mexico’s players certainly know how the outcome of the game on June 11 will contribute in changing the world. The pressure is already on, and both El Tri and Bafana Bafana feel it. But they know that they’ve got it all so they can keep believing in their fighting spirit.
South Africa ready to challenge Mexico – Katlego Mphela
Katlego Mphela of South Africa celebrates by beating his chest.
For every Bafana Bafana player, South Africa’s 2010 World Cup opener against Mexico will surely come up as a special moment in their lives. Ranked 83rd in the world of football and having struggled in previous tournament to put balls at the back of the net, there could be concerns over the host nations’ chances of delivering the best of results for their supporters on Friday.
However, striker Katlego Mphela believes that he and his team are ready for the challenge Mexico will pose on the opening day of the 2010 World Cup.
“I just need chances to score,” Mphela avowed boldly before continuing:
“I’ve no problem playing alone upfront, as long as there is service. I know that we’re under pressure as we play at home. But, that is actually pushing us to do more. I’m well prepared for the challenge ahead. The camps that we have had give us confidence. With a record of 12 games unbeaten, we have reason to be confident.”
In fact, Mexico are also fresh from a spirit-boosting 2-1 triumph over World Cup titleholders Italy which they secured in a friendly match on June 3. Still, Katlego Mphela dared to analyze El Tri’s style of play in favor of South Africa. He explained:
“Mexico are more of an attacking team from what I’ve seen of them in the last three friendly matches that they’ve played. But then, when they push a lot, they are bound to leave spaces behind in defense – which I’ll be taking advantage of.”
Pursuing his defy against Bafana Bafana’s opponents on Friday, Mphela stated:
“Mexico are fast upfront and they’ll attack. But we will do the same. We are ready for this and very fit for the challenge.”
Talking about fitness, Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira singled it out as a major factor that will decide South Africa’s fate during the tournament. He declared:
“I believe if you want to qualify for the second round, you have to do something special. And for us, that would mean in the technical and skills aspects of the game. We can’t beat France, Mexico, or Uruguay in a physical struggle. My boys have to play well against them, with the ball on the ground. This is our big strength. That is what I want the South African team to believe in.”
Carlos Vela celebrates in style after scoring against Italy.Mexico also keep believing
Like he has been doing since replacing Sven Goran Eriksson, Coach Javier Aguirre keeps believing in the mixture of experience and youth for the benefit of his squad. For example, Veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco is a 37-year-old midfielder whose inclusion in El Tri’s squad - among much younger players - always seems to be positive. Soccer commentator Gustavo Mendoza branded Cuauhtemoc Blanco as “the biggest name in Mexico” and as “the one who can really make a difference”. So the public can watch out for the 37-year-old midfielder to work wonders at the Soccer City Stadium on Friday.
Besides Cuauhtemoc Blanco, the likes of young players like Giovanni dos Santos, Javier Hernandez, and Carlos Vela are expected to make an impact against South Africa. Concerning Mexico’s injury list, Coach Javier Aguirre can be relieved as Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez and West Ham striker Guillermo Franco should be fit in time to play against Bafana Bafana.
According to Arsenal’s Carlos Vela, concentration will be the key for El Tri to upset the 2010 World Cup hosts, South Africa. Speaking to the media, the youngster declared:
“We’ll just have to focus on what happens on the pitch. That will be the best way to win the match.”
So the game promises to offer a lot of attacking flair at the joy of neutrals especially. Can South Africa’s Bafana Bafana follow Waka Waka’s message and emerge victorious against Mexico after the final whistle on June 11?
South Africa vs Mexico – Head-to-headSymbolizing the first ever World Cup held in africa, fans lift up a World Cup trophy and the South African flag up to the sky.
South Africa and Mexico have played three times only against each other. El Tri have the edge with two victories against one, and nine goals scored against four. The last time both teams faced each other, Mexico ran away 4-2 winners. That was in Dallas, on June 7, 2000.
The whole world is awaiting the start of the football fiesta. It's the turn of South Africa and Mexico to light up football fans with a dazzling display. What will we see at the end of the 90 minutes? Bafana Bafana fans singing in harmony or Mexican supporters proudly making the Mexican wave?
