DHAKA: Host South Africa shared points with Mexico in the opening match as the World Cup football 2010 kicked off at Johannesburg Soccer City Stadium Friday amid a pan-African symphony.

The match ended with a 1-1 draw.

The home team showed a very enthusiastic performance as the 82nd team of FIFA rankings to face the 17th-positioned lone North Americans, Mexico. They scored the maiden goal of the match, as also of the month-long soccer carnivals, as the obvious upshot of their rhythmic and heart-throbbing performance against the North American rhythmic football.

The first half ended as a goalless draw.

But, at the very beginning of the 2nd half, South African booter Siphiwe Tshabalala netted the first goal of the tournament.

But, unfortunately, the rainbow nation could not finish their lead as a victory as the Aztecs fought back with an equalizer at the 77th minute of the match by Rafael Marquez.

At the ending minutes of the match, the residence team availed a couple of chances, but, unfortunately, all those sure shots were squandered. Two of their shots betrayed them even after deceiving the Mexican goalkeeper, as those hit the sidebars and missed the net.  

BDST: 0001 HRS. June 12, 2010
SA/MSI/SRJ/AK/MUA