Tshabalala gets the party started

(Culled from FIFA Official website)

Accra, June 11, GNA - "A dream came true," declared FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter before the 2010 FIFA World CupT got under way today in Johannesburg and there was very nearly a dream start for hosts South Afri ca. Bafana Bafana started slowly against a slick Mexico side but looked likel y winners once Siphiwe Tshabalala had fired them in front in spectacular fashion early in the second half. Instead they had to make do with a draw as Rafael Marquez's 80th-minute equaliser prevented the third African triump h in the Opening Match - and ensured the first draw since 1986.

Home fans may bemoan misses by Teko Modise and Katlego Mphela eith er side of Mexico's leveller, the latter striking a post, yet the first-half

supremacy of Javier Aguirre's men meant few neutrals could begrudge them their point. After that sparkling start in Soccer City, attention switched to Cap e Town's Green Point Stadium where 2006 runners-up France endured a frustrating evening against Uruguay. It might have been different had Sid ney Govou not turned wide Franck Ribery's inviting ball across goal after sev en minutes.

Instead a game of few chances unfolded. Yoann Gourcuff and Diego Forlan was each foiled by the opposition keeper but perhaps we should hav e expected that. Uruguay had not scored a first-half goal in their previous

nine FIFA World Cup matches; France had not scored in their two previous opening fixtures on the world stage. Not even the 81st-minute dismissal o f Uruguay substitute Nicolas Lodeiro - who earned two yellow cards in 18 minutes on the field - opened the door to France, ensuring Group A remain s wide open.