World Cup Match 1 Preview

After four years of waiting its finally here.  At 15:00 (GMT) today the hosts South Africa will kick off the tournament against the flamboyant Mexicans.  Many people will have this down as a Mexico win but South Africa will want to show their fans that they aren't just here to host and with the noises of the vuvuzelas coming from the stands the Mexicans will be in for a torrid time.  Saying all this though Mexico are old hands at World Cup Football and led in defence by Rafael Marquez and Guillermo Franco up front they have a lot of international and World Cup experience.
South Africa will be relying very heavily on their own captain, Portsmouths Aaron Mokoena and in midfield they will be looking for the creativity of Everton's Steven Pienaar to make up for the loss of the overweight Benny McCarthy but even with no real attacking flair the hosts will have enough to get out of this with a draw.


Head To Head:  South Africa 1 win Draw 0 Mexico 2 wins


Last Meeting: 08/07/2005 South Africa 2 Mexico 1 (Los Angeles)


Best Odds: South Africa 15/8 Mexico 13/8 Draw 23/10


Verdict: 1-1