South Africa (National Football)

At soccer matches around the world it is common to hear three things: singing, swearing, and whistling.

But from what I've heard thus far watching the 2010 World Cup on television, a fourth noise is silencing all of those.

The suspect? A blaring vuvuzela horn.

Scratch that. Make it one million vuvuzela horns.

Recent sales estimates state over a million of the plastic noisemakers have been purchased, and if the opening matches provided any indication, they are being put to heavy use.

But whether these instruments have a place in stadiums is a hot debate raging among soccer enthusiasts. 

The argument for their use is that its part of South African culture for thousands of vuvuzelas to be played during soccer matches. And since the World Cup is being played in South Africa, it only makes sense for the tradition to continue with the whole planet watching. 

On the other hand, "those bloody vuvuzelas," as called by the Wall Street Journal's Robb Stewart, are seen as an annoyance and a possible health hazard.

Rather than the traditional singing and chanting famous at games around the world, both fans at the match and watching on television hear an uninterrupted flow of these plastic trumpets.

This isn't making many people, myself included, happy.

Any sudden intake of breath or cheer coming from the stands is partially, if not totally, drowned out by the ever-present vuvuzelas.

Why would anybody rather listen to what sounds like a swarm of bees descending on South Africa than the roar of a crowd 80,000 strong? In my opinion it just taints the fan aspect of soccer instead of enhancing it.

And then there's the possibility of hearing damage. While those viewing at home certainly have nothing to worry about, spectators at the matches should wear ear plugs for fear of losing their hearing.

Doctors say extended exposure to 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss. 90 minutes surrounded by people sounding off their vuvuzelas, measured at 127 decibels, could mean irreversible damage.

Of course, the easy solution is to wear ear plugs, so that problem is solvable.

But that's not all.

According to a London doctor, the vuvuzela can spread colds and flu germs, too. After blowing the horn, tiny droplets that can contain the germs form at the bottom of it. These particles can then hang in the air for hours, and be breathed in by people in the vicinity.

Ear plugs? Manageable. Surgical masks? Not so much.

I'm all for Africa showing off its cultures over the next month, but the vuvuzela has to go. It's loud, hazardous, and downright aggravating. 

Consider the fans at home the lucky ones—they can mute their TV.

The moment had finally arrived.  Speeches were made, anthems were sung and the 2010 World Cup was finally ready to start.  Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace winner was his usual beaming self clad in assorted Bafana Bafana regalia.  Thousands of vuvuzelas blared as South Africa's dream finally became a reality but now it was down to the serious business of playing soccer.

South Africa started off nervously as might have been expected getting few touches in the early going as Mexico was given a lot of space in midfield.  A few nervous moments in the South African defense caused some anxiety, particularly down the right where Paul Aguilar was constantly getting the better of Lucas Thwala putting through a few dangerous balls. Within two minutes, Aguilar spilt the defence with a cross fumbled by Itumeleng Khune, the goalkeeper but Aaron Makoena was able to cleari t away.

South Africa started to get a bit more of the ball but still looked unsettled.  Mexico was looking as good as advertised, and was being allowed far more space in midfield by the tentative South Africans.

On 15 minutes, Guillermo Franco got in front of his marker from a corner but blazed it over.  A minute later South Africa had their first look at goal from a free kick 25 yards out but Steven Pienaar put it well over the bar.  Mexico continued looking at the better side but Khune dealt comfortably with any danger. 

South Africa was starting to look a little more comfortable with better passing but without much penetration.  In the 32nd minute, Carlos lifted a lovely little through-ball to Franco, but the shot was comfortably saved by Khune. 

On 37 minutes, Franco deflected a corner into the path of Carlos Vela, who scored but the goal was ruled offside.  To their discredit the ESPN commentators (who should know better) claimed it should been allowed because a defender was on the line.  True, but prior to the deflected header, Khune had gone on safari into the penalty area, leaving Vela with only one defender behind him.  The commentators eventually corrected themselves but to all those fans I have seen complaining about the decision online, go read the rule book. 

Two defenders have to be behind the man.  Only one was.

In the last few minutes of the first half, a sustained bout of pressure led to a series of corners, almost bringing South Africa joy when Katlego Mphela came agonizingly close to heading in a cross from Siphiwe Tshabalala.

The half ended 0-0.

The second half saw an immediate and needed substitution for South Africa when Thwala was replaced by Tsepo Masilela at left back.  South Africa began the second half with much more purpose and was giving Mexico a lot less space in midfield.  They also put together more effective passes, themselves. 

10 minutes into the second half, Tshabalala scored a brilliant goal when he was put through by a superb through-ball from Kagisho Dikgacoi, racing in from the left, firing across the goal from just inside the area into the far corner.  The stadium exploded, the vuvuzelas getting even louder if that is possible. 

A few minutes later, South Africa was again on the backfoot when Khune had to make a diving save into the top corner to turn away Giovanni Dos Santos' shot for a corner. 

Mexico brought on the veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco in the 66th minute for Carlos Vela.  A minute later, Siboniso Gaxa latched onto a through ball inside the area when he appeared to be pulled down, although the ref waved play on.  On the replay it looked as though the defender had pushed him down by the shoulder.

Mexico were starting to look dispirited despite having used all their substitutions. South Africa's fitness and confidence were giving them the edge until the 78th minute when either a complete defensive lapse or an offside trap gone very wrong left Makoena facing three unmarked attackers. Andres Guardado's cross found an unmarked Rafael Marquez who calmly put the ball away despite Khune's best effort. 

Neither team seemed willing to settle for a draw as the game opened up.  With a couple of minutes left, Mphela broke through and hit the post from an angle.  Mexico tried one more attack on a South African defense that never seemed very comfortable, and the whistle blew a few minutes later.

All in all, a satisfying draw.  Mexico can claim they were hard done in the first half when their efforts and domination came to nothing.  South Africa can walk away with a point, and even though they are disappointed for giving up a sloppy goal and hitting the post, more importantly, they know that they can match many of the teams in the competition.

South Africa can now face Uruguay on the 16th knowing that they weathered the first storm. Mexico faces France, though no one has any idea which French team will show up.

Men of the match: Siphiwa Tshabalala (SA) and Giovanni Dos Santos (Mex).

Forget Everton's Steven Pienaar, the superstar South African who was meant to be the nation's Messiah and lead the Bafana Bafana to glorious and historic World Cup victories.

The real star of the show came from the homegrown talent of South Africa. Many people have said midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala of the Kaizer Chiefs was the man of the match in the momentous 1-1 draw with Mexico, after his expertly finished strike saw the first ever goal being scored at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

However, whilst 24-year-old Tshabalala had a very good game and is sure to be on the radar of Europe's elite following that performance, there was another man who at times looked head and shoulders above the rest.

As you may've guessed, that person is Teko Modise, the dazzling winger of the Bafana Bafana who plies his trade with the Orlando Pirates of South Africa's Premier Soccer League.

The 27-year-old, who has amassed over 50 caps for his country and scored 10 goals, was the star man for a host nation which needed the attacking inspiration that Pienaar failed to deliver.

Strengths

Modise provided that forward threat, as he looked very comfortable in possession, he most often was attack-minded, and he provided options going forward when not on the ball.

He has the flair and creativity that makes him one of the most skillful and aesthetically pleasing players in the South African squad, and it's such delightful skill that would go down a treat with fans of La Liga or even Premier League clubs.

Modise also has the eye for a good pass, with the ability to beat defenders with intricate one-two passes, pass-and-go play, nice little short passes, as well as the defense-splitting through balls.

The tricky winger can also skip past defenders with ease, as he has the all-around dribbling, footwork, and general technique to beat his opponents and potentially create goal scoring opportunities.

Fundamentally as a wide man, from set-plays and especially corner kicks, Modise's deliveries can be sublime, with audaciously swinging deliveries that curl out of the keeper's reach and are difficult for defenders to handle.

And perhaps equally as important, Modise appears capable of working well with his full-back, tracking back when necessary with the ability to put a tackle in and help out the defense.

He certainly is a great talent, and one that could easily grace an elite European team. With his skillset, a move to La Liga or Serie A could well be on the cards; after all, both AC Milan and Inter Milan were credited with a move for him just last year.

Weaknesses

However, there are some major limitations with Teko Modise as a player.

His fitness is questionable; in the last 10 minutes against Mexico it was evident that fatigue had the better of him, as his creativity and decision-making were becoming increasingly stifled.

Also, his composure in front of goal isn't the best, even for a winger. This was proved late on against Mexico when (despite later being ruled for offside) he missed the target from less than six yards, despite having no defender in close proximity.

And perhaps most fundamentally, for a winger, his ability to put in a decent cross from open play is somewhat lacking, with most of his deliveries either being too close to the goalkeeper or not generally accurate enough.

Although, that said, overall Teko Modise is a top talent who has the ability to grace a top European league, but most probably not the English Premier League; it would seem that the pace of play and physical demands of the EPL would get the better of him.

Current value: £4million

Potential value: £7million

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Siphiwe Tshabalala, born in Soweto 25 years ago, sent his nation into ecstacy in the township of his birth yesterday with a crashing 54^th minute goal against highly-fancied Mexico in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup.

For weeks, months, years, the Rainbow Nation waited to show their true colours to the world. And when Africa’s first World Cup welcomed its first goal – an absolute cracker into the far top corner from the dreadlocked Kaizer Chiefs midfielder – the noise was deafening as 96,000 at the magnificent Soccer City Stadium on the outskirts of Soweto blew their Vuvuzelas.

Their hysteria was turned down a notch by Mexican defender Rafael Marquez, who levelled unmarked in the 79^th minute, but a point against the Mexicans – ranked 17 in the world – is not a bad effort from team ranked 83^rd , the weakest host nation of all time.

In truth, South Africa could easily have been out of it by half-time. Mexico started like an express train, with West   Ham striker Guillermo Franco missing two clear headers and having a third effort saved by Itumeleng Khune.

With sub-standard left back Lucas Thwala tormented by Tottenham’s Giovanni Dos Santos and Arsenal’s Carlos Vela, it looked like it might be a rout. After half-an-hour, the visitors had enjoyed 61 percent of the possession and while Khune was constantly engaged, while Oscar Perez at the other end – becoming Mexico’s oldest player – was left to study this fascinating gathering.

Thwala was duly put out of his misery at half-time and South Africa, fitter, leaner, meaner, began to punch above their weight.

All week long the hype has swept around Bafana Bafana after an unexpected unbeaten run of 12 games since the return of 1994 Brazilian World Cup winning coach Carlos Alberto Parreira last November.

On Wednesday, 180,000 turned out in Sandton to catch a glimpse of their heroes on the team bus. Their is a golden South Africa shirt on every citizen, a flag for sale on every street corner. Parreira said then the whole thing was getting out of hand, but a kick-off concert at the nearby Super Stadium went without a hitch last night and the opening ceremony was as good as anything I’ve seen – right up there with my favourites, Sydney 2000 and France 1998.

Even the absence of former president Nelson Mandela, the 91-year-old who took the nation to freedom (and the 1995 rugby World Cup), failed to overshadow the enthusiasm. Mandela’s great-grand-daughter Zenani was killed in a car crash after last night’s concert.

But still they came, still they paid tribute to the great Madiba, father of the nation. And to his footballers. In the end, it was South Africa who might have snatched it. The pace of Mphela put him clear in the final minute, but he struck the post as the Vuvuzelas went into full air-raid mode.

After a wait of 1,443 days since Italy won the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, the 2010 FIFA World Cup has finally started as host nation South Africa faces Mexico at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

Going into this match, South Africa find themselves in the position of becoming the first host nation to fail to advance from the group stage as Bafana Bafana are currently ranked 83rd in the world.

Meanwhile for Mexico, they are looking to advance onto the round of 16 for the fifth consecutive World Cup as coach Javier Aguirre helped to reinvigorate some life into a Mexican side that needed it during qualification.

So now, with the first match of the World Cup about to begin, here is my official preview of the World Cup opener between South Africa and Mexico.

What's on the line:

South Africa

For Bafana Bafana, this is their opening match in their World Cup, a match that will be maybe the most important game in South African history outside of the 1995 Rugby World Cup final in nearby Ellis Park Stadium.

A win here will be a must, especially considering Nelson Mandela will be attending the match.

Mexico

For Mexico, this game will mark yet another World Cup opener, and will be the perfect opportunity to get off to a great start.

Key Players:

South Africa

For South Africa, their key player will be Katlego Mphela.

It will be up to Mephela (who has scored 15 goals in 31 matches for Bafana Bafana) to once again play well and make up for the absence of Benni McCarthy.

Mexico

For Mexico, their key player will be Guillermo Ochoa.

Overall, Ochoa is one of the best players in the world who does not play his club football in Europe, and his great play will be essential if Mexico are to get anything out of this match.

What each side must do to win:

South Africa

For South Africa, it will be to just go out and take full advantage of whatever chance they might get.

Mexico are a side that will capitalize if they get their opportunities, and Bafana Bafana must keep the ball for as long as possible to win here.

Mexico

For Mexico, it will be to just attack, attack, and attack even more.

El Tri do know that South Africa's defense (much like the other African defenses in the World Cup) is extremely susceptible and Mexico could find themselves in the driving seat if they get an early goal.

Biggest Key to Victory:

South Africa

Without question it is the fact that they are at home in a World Cup match. What bigger key to victory could their be than that?

Mexico

Mexico will need to pretend that this match is at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City as El Tri will need that mindset in Soccer City if they are to win.

Projected Lineups:

South Africa: (4-5-1)

                                                     Khune

              Gaxa                   Khumalo              Masilela              Mokoena

       Pienaar           Modise             Tshabalala          Letsholonyane      Khuboni

                                                    Mphela

Mexico: (4-5-1)

                                                 Hernandez

      dos Santos         Castro            Torrado              Guardado           Franco

          Juarez                Osorio                   Marquez                Salcido

                                                   Ochoa

X-Factor:

However, the most important part of this match will not be a player, the pitch, the coaches or anything of that nature.

Instead, the x-factor of this match will be former South African President Nelson Mandela, who will be attending the match despite being 91-years old.

With Mandela, it becomes impossible that South Africa could lose this match.

Prediction:

Once you consider the Mandela factor along with the fact that this will be South Africa's first ever World Cup match on their own soil, there is only side that could win this match.

The winner will be South Africa, as they will pull out an inspiring 3-1 win at Soccer City to start off their World Cup campaign.

SOUTH AFRICA is reeling this morning following the the death of Nelson Mandela’s 13-year-old great granddaughter. She was in a car crash after last night’s World Cup kick-off concert in Soweto and unfortunately passed away.

The nation’s icon Mandela, increasingly frail at 91, is now unlikely to attend the opening ceremony in front of 96,000 at Soccer City this afternoon.

A statement from the Nelson Mandela Foundation said simply:  "Zenani was travelling in a car returning from the World Cup Kick-Off Concert at Orlando Stadium when the accident occurred. There was only one car involved and no one else was injured."

Mandela's ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was also in the car. Zenani, one of Mandela’s nine great-grand-children, died two days after her birthday. Police spokesman Noxolo Kweza said the driver had been arrested and police were investigating a case of culpable homicide.

The Mandela Foundation said the family had asked for privacy. Zenani was a granddaughter of Zinzi Mandela, Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela—Mandela's daughter.

Her death, and the enforced absence of Madibe ("Father of the Nation") today will cast a deep shadow over events as the nation gears up for Africa’s first World Cup, which kicks off with the hosts taking on Mexico at 4pm local time (3pm in England).

Last night’s vibrant concert at Soweto’s Super Stadium paid frequent reference to Mandela, who is credited with a major role in bringing the World Cup to the continent for the first time.

Tomorrow is the day that we have all been waiting for; the FIFA World Cup is finally upon us.

The opening match sees hosts South Africa go up against Mexico in the shining new Soccer City.

This could be the perfect match for Bafana Bafana to get their World Cup campaign off to a winning start.

The Mexicans have some good players and have looked in decent form in the pre-tournament games, but do they have the temperament to handle such a stage?

The South Africans themselves are also in good form and are unbeaten in 12 games.

As the eyes of the world focus on Africa, who will be the key players as the hosts?

Steven Pienaar

The most experienced of the South African side, the Everton midfielder has been built up as the saviour of the nation. He may not have to do it all himself as suggested, but he will be a huge player for the hosts. His skill and guile could prove too much for the Mexican defence to deal with. He is a tireless worker and will give his all. The fans' hero, Pienaar should be a star of the first World Cup on the continent.

Teko Modese

Has all the quality to make a difference, the little midfield dynamo has been simply superb for the national team. Can control the game from midfield in the opener, and his clever play could well see him win the battle with Gerardo Torrado. A very skillful player, who with a good tournament could finally win a transfer to Europe, which has failed to materialise in recent years.

Itumeleng Khune

The undisputed number one, considerably the best keeper in the South African league. Khune is a tall, gangly, shot-stopper. Has returned from injury to retain his position in time for the World Cup. Has been destined for success with the national team for some time and actually made his international debut before his domestic debut. Mexico have a decent attack, so Khune will have his work cut out, but he will be up to the test.

There is also another key player to take into consideration...the fans.

The Bafana Bafana supporters will be out in droves as World Cup fever hits the Rainbow nation.

The atmosphere in Soccer City could prove to be the 12th man, as the team hope to avoid becoming the first hosts in history to fail to make it out of the group stage.

If South Africa can beat the Mexicans tomorrow they have a very realistic chance of reaching the knockout stages of the competition.

All we know is it's going to be an exciting month of football.

Bafana Bafana player profiles.

Itumeleng Khune (Goalkeeper) 

Acrobatic goalie and established No. One. 

Brilliant save of David Villa penalty in Confederations Cup established his pedigree.  Excellent distributor of the ball and always finds the open man.

Siboniso Gaxa (Defense)

Solid right back with the ability to attack down the wing.  Locally based but is on the radar for several Premier League teams.

Aaron Mokoena (Defense)  

Captain will be playing is 102nd game against Mexico. 

Tough defender who is prone to giving away free kicks in vulnerable positions.  Inspirational leader whose nickname "Mbazo" means "The Axe". In his early days his nickname was 'Naughty' which says something about his play. 

Plays for Portsmouth. 

Lucas Thwala (Defense)

Hard tackling left back who excelled in warm ups getting him the start over Tsepo Masilela. 

Good on attack as well who makes and scores goals.

Bongani Khumalo (Defense)

Young up and coming central defender forced his way into the starting line up with impressive performances in training camp.

Tsepo Masilela (Defense)  

Was the starting left back. 

Played in the Champions League for Maccabi Haifa last year.  Solid in defense and can attack down the wing as well.

Matthew Booth (Defense)  

The only white player on the squad. 

Tall and bald, evoking Peter Garrett the former lead singer for Midnight Oil. Good in the air. 

Fan favorite who elicits what sounds like booing every time he touches the ball. It's the fans going "Boooooooth"

Steven Pienaar (Midfield)

The heart and soul of the team.

Everton Player of the Year who reads the game brilliantly. 

Bayern Munich and other top teams are interested in him. 

Doesn't score often but can shred a defense with pinpoint passing.

Siphiwe Tsabalala (Midfield)

Pienaar's partner going forward. 

Speedy dynamo with the ability to beat defenders. Takes most of the corners and free kicks. Isn't afraid to shoot. 

I predict he will be one of the break out stars of the cup and will no doubt be playing in Europe next season. 

Only 26 with 48 caps and five goals for Bafana

Kagisho Dikgacoi (Midfield)

Tough defender who played for Fulham this past season but nagging injuries kept him on the bench much of the time. 

Full fit and will start against Mexico.

Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Midfield)

Nicknamed 'Yeye' played his way into the starting lineup with impressive performances in warm up games. 

He created Bafana's goal against Denmark last week with a brilliant through ball.

Teko Modise (Midfield)

Footballer of the year in South Africa in 2008 and 2009. 

Had a disappointing Confederations Cup as well as in the domestic league this past season but has renewed his confidence in training camp. 

Creative player with great ball control and dribbling skills with 52 caps and 10 goals.  Hopefully will rise to the occasion.

Macbeth Sibaya (Midfield)

Steady veteran who plays for Ruben Kazan, Russian league winners the past two seasons. 

Will see most of his action off the bench. 

58 caps.

Surprise Moriri (Midfield)

Another veteran who has not always been consistent at the international level. 

Injured much of last season but played himself into the squad with impressive recent performances. 

Has a knack for scoring vital goals for Bafana.

Will start on the bench.

Katlego Mphela (Forward)

Has a nose for goal. Bafana will need him in an attack that has problems scoring goals.  Has been on a tear lately and has 13 goals for Bafana. 

Came to prominence against Spain in the Confederations Cup with two goals including a dazzling free kick from 35 yards in the last minute to tie the game. 

Bernard Parker (Forward)

Came to the fore in the Confederations Cup. 

Plays for FC Twente, Dutch champions but sat on the bench most of the season. 

Will be on the bench in Parreira's 4-5-1 system but will definitely see action in the finals.

Siyabonge Nomvethe (Forward)

Veteran who has had an up and down career which was revitalized in warm up games. 

Withe exclusion of Benni McCarthy, Bafana's all time leading scorer, Parker and Nomvethe will have important roles to play.

The stage is set for the greatest football tournament to begin.  

The teams have been picked, the fans have travelled, the hosts are excited and there is a buzz in the air all around the world.

The hype around this year's world cup has been huge. There is a flag on every other car and shop window. 

South Africa vs. Mexico

The hosts, South Africa, kick off the tournament against Mexico in the opening game on Friday.

South Africa is having football fever and are ready to become the first African country to stage the World Cup.

Soccer City in Johannesburg is the starting point for the tournament. Both sides are looking to get their Group A campaign off to a positive start.

Both teams are going into the game on a high. The South Africans are on a 12-game unbeaten run, while Mexico has been uplifted by their recent friendly win over defending World Cup champions, the Italians.

South Africa has midfielder Steven Pienaar to give the side the creative edge, while Portsmouth's Aaron Mokoena is the captain of the team.

As Benni McCarthy was left out of the squad, Katlego Mphela is most likely to be the main form of attack for the hosts.

Mexico has been boosted by the return of their star duo Rafael Marquez and Guillermo Franco.

Barcelona player Marquez trained for the first time in South Africa earlier in the week, and could go straight into the starting XI.

Carlos Vela of Arsenal is set to be given one of the attacking positions. This leaves the Mexican coach Aguirre to decide who will partner him upfront: Franco, or Javier Hernandez from Manchester United.

My Prediction: 1-1

France vs. Uruguay

France and Uruguay are the other half of the group and are the second game of the tournament. Both sides will be looking to get the edge in the game, to boost their chances of finishing top in the group. 

France, who were runners-up four years ago, will be hoping to silence their critics after reaching the final in a controversial manner. Henry and the French team cheated their way to a play-off win over the Republic of Ireland after the striker set up the winning goal by handballing.

Raymond Domenech, the French coach, will quit after the finals, so he is hoping to bow out on a high.

Uruguay, who reached the finals via the play-offs as well, are hoping to reach the knockout stages for the first time since Italia 1990.

The teams have met before in the 2002 World Cup, but it ended in a goalless draw.

Despite a minor knee injury, Arsenal defender William Gallas is poised to start the game. Franck Ribery has also shaken off a knee problem and will start.

Nicolas Anelka is expected to start in attack, having played in three of France's warm-up games.

This means Thierry "Handball" Henry, the only surviving player from the 1998 winning team, will have take his place on the bench.

Atletico Madrid ace Diego Forlan has recovered from a minor foot injury from training, to give his national side a big boost.

Uruguay boast one of the best striking partnerships in South Africa with the former Manchester United man, Forlan, and Ajax hot-shot Luis Suarez.

My Prediction: 2-1

JUST thought you might all like to see what's going to happen on Friday afternoon at Soccer City, when South Africa take on Mexico in the opening game of the World Cup.