Talks about the goal against Mexico that has made him the toast of the host nation
Talksu00a0about the goal against Mexico that has made him the toast of the host nation South Africa winger Siphiwe Tshabalala has revealed his delight at grabbing the first goal of World Cup 2010.
"The goal was a great one and I am happy to have been in the position to score it," Tshabalala said exclusively to Goal.com.
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| Siphiwe Tshabalala celebrates after scoring against Mexico yesterday. PIC/GETTY IMAGES |
The 25-year-old Kaizer Chiefs star put Bafana Bafana ahead with a ferocious strike into the top corner on 53 minutes, and went on to reveal he hopes it will be the first of many.
"I didn't have to think, the chance came and I took it. I am happy about the goal and I want to score more."
"I hope the fans will be behind us cheering and making us play well because we are doing this for them and we want to have good World Cup," added captain Aaron Mokeona. "Winning matches is part of that and we want to play well against Uruguay."
South Africa will face Uruguay in their second fixture before rounding of Group A against France on June 22.
Both teams were wasteful in front of goal -- Mexico in the first half and South Africa after the break.
The hosts could have stolen the points in the closing seconds as Katlego Mphela broke through and hit the post, but all in all a 1-1 scoreline was the correct result.
There are positives and negatives to take for Bafana Bafana and El Tri. The former will be buoyed by their tactical performance after the break -- for which coach Carlos Alberto Parreira deserves a great deal of credit -- as they caused numerous problems on the counter attack and only conceded due to a lack of concentration on a cross.
There will, naturally, still be some concerns whether personnel-wise they can really mix it with the very best.
As for the latter, Mexico looked a class act when they were at their free flowing best in the first period. When on song, Javier Aguirre's men have the flair and imagination to trouble and open up any side.
However, there are question marks over both their decisiveness in front of goal -- with too many situations squandered -- their mental strength as heads dropped after South Africa broke the deadlock, and the naivety in defending with such a high line considering Mphela's pace on the counter. Make no mistake about it, though, Mexico are a rough diamond who can make an impact if they polish their rough edges.
How they fared
Khune: The SA goalie didn't start well and almost gifted a goal early on but from improved significantly and pulled of some good saves.
Tshabalala: Attacked with vigour and brought joy to the nation by lashing home a super left-foot shot. Made things difficult throughout.
Dikgacoi: Was Bafana's main aerial threat during the first half and also showed his combative side in the midfield battles.
Perez: The Mexican goalkeeper was far from convincing on crosses and looked susceptible on more than one Bafana shot.
Aguilar: Made a fantastic impression in the opening moments as his attacking qualities made the home side look average.
Marquez: Was a calming influence on the ball and popped up in the right place at the right time to score equaliser.
What they saidMexico are the most daring team here and they threatened us early on. But I believe we were more balanced in the second half and could have won the game -
- SA coach Carlos Alberto Pereira
We had a very good first half, but we weren't capable of putting away our chances. Both teams are going away with a bitter, sweet taste and are forced to beat France in our next game
-- Mexico coach Javier AguirreHow they scored
55th minute: Winger Siphiwe Tshabalala sends the nation into raptures as he becomes the first goalscorer of this year's World Cup. South AFrica are a much better side in the second half and Tshabalala concludes a four-man move when he latches on to a long diagonal through-ball by Kagisho Dokgacoi. He then goes past a defender, reaches the penalty box and unleashes a thunderous left-footed drive that beats Oscar Perez.
79th minute:u00a0 The countdown to a famous South African victory has already begun but the hosts are made to pay for their inability increase their lead despite several chances. Blanco starts the move by intercepting a pass and pushes the ball to Andres Guardado.u00a0 Guardado picks out the unmarked Rafael Marquez at the far post. The experienced defender has no problems in hitting net past a hapless Itumeleng Khune.
