Giovani Dos Santos could be the star of Group A
South Africa vs Mexico, Group A, Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, Friday 11 June
Another World Cup for El Tri, there have been thirteen before this one and seven exits in the first round itself.
Mexico have played 45 matches and lost 22, the most of any country with substantial World Cup appearances (10 or more). In all, they have conceded 82 goals for a dismal goal differential of -34.
There is some self belief returning to this Mexican side after a series of good results including a recent 2-1 victory over Italy in a friendly. They show clever and creative ball movement through Giovani Dos Santos and the perennial Cuauhtemoc Blanco, at 37 years, the oldest outfield player. With the pace of Carlos Vela and Alberto Medina, the ability to counterattack quickly and effectively. Both Santos and Vela were standouts in Mexico’s U17 triumph in 2005.
Will this be enough to overcome South Africa at home tomorrow? Bafana Bafana are riding into the World Cup with some wind at their back following wins over Colombia and Denmark.
The answer to their success lies in the hands of players like Everton’s Steven Pienaar. The Toffees midfielder is an integral part of David Moyes squad and his scintillating form helped propel Everton to a respectable eighth position after an extremely dismal start. In Benni McCarthy’s absence, Katlego Mphela is their goalscorer.
He is picked to score this World Cup’s first goal.
Mexico seems to open brightly enough and should control the ball with their better midfield. Dos Santos will trouble with his speed and pace down the right, Vela might get the better of Siboniso Gaxa, and Blanco could pick off Alberto Medina with a perfect pass. Guillermo Franco also shows some nice sniper like abilities in the box through headers and deflections. The first half should go El Tri’s way
But their difficulty is maintaining that pace- they have shown a tendency to fade into the second half. Bafana Bafana on the other hand, seem to know how to stage a comeback. Pienaar should find his form and make inroads with Tiko Modise.