The Bafana Bafana were handed a tricky little group when the draw took place on December 4th, and stand to be the very first home nation that hasn’t qualified to the round of 16. Even the U.S. of A. managed it in 1994, so it would be pretty embarrassing.
In the eagerly anticipated opening game of the fake world cup the South Africans were eager to please. Yeah… they really didn’t do that.
Right from the offset Mexico took control. With accurate short passing and great movement, South Africa were left chasing shadows.
Mexico were awarded a penalty when Blanco was fouled by Nasief Morris after a perfect through pass from Carlos Vela. Morris was lucky to only get a yellow card.
The Bafana Bafana got a stay of execution when the penalty was expertly saved by Khune, but sadly this was the best it got for the home supporters.
After the half time interval Morris received a second yellow for a cynical tackle on Vela and the flood gates opened. Blanco scored twice with two close ranged efforts and the scoring was wrapped up by Vela in the first minute of injury time.
The perfect start for Mexico, who, with a win against France (who cheated their way into the World Cup) would book their place in the last 16. South Africa need to win against Uruguay and get a result against France to have any hope of proceeding.