South Africa 1 - 1 Mexico World Cup

South Africa 1 - 1 Mexico World Cup

South Africa were lucky to escape an early scare inside the opening five minutes of the World Cup as Giovani Dos Santos narrowly fired wide in Mexico’s first attack. The moment of the half arrived in the 37th minute, a Mexican corner was flicked on by Franco to the far post where Carlos Vela touched the ball over the line only for the linesman to chalk the goal off for a touch-and-go offside decision. Nine minutes into the second half and South Africa erupted, a superb pass pierced the Mexican backline to free Siphiwe Tshabalala and the dreadlocked midfielder cracked home a left-footed beauty into the top right corner. The Mexicans, who looked poor after conceding, managed to level in the 78th minute when the Bafana defence went missing from a left wing cross, allowing Rafa Marquez the freedom of the six-yard box and he lashed home the equaliser. Bafana Bafana could have snatched an injury time winner but Katlego Mphela could only strike against the foot of the post from 7-yards