297. A GOOD BEGINNING FOR SOUTH AFRICA...

Quite a good start considering not many give them even half a chance of matching Mexico. Most of the South African players performed credibly well matching the Mexican players stride by stride and fighting for every inch of the field. President Jacob Zuma must have been proud of the performance.

The crowd seemed to enjoy themselves though at times the noise was a bit displeasing and too loud.

Steven Pienaar was marvellous in the centre of the park spreading the ball to the front players and falling back to assist the defense when required. If only he was fully fit, the darting runs would have created more positive impact on the result of the game. 

Tshabalala goal was fabulous. I'm pretty sure many soccer scout would have got his name in their lists.  

Khune manning the goal, pulling save after save, was just fantastic. Love to see him fitting into a good EPL team next season. 

As captain, Aaron Mokoena has to shake off his nervousness at the back.

Mphela and Modise need to really take their chances well the next time. With a little more composure and more experience, South Africa could have registered their first win in the World Cup tournament. One point nonetheless is a good beginning. 

A little pep talk by Carlos Alberto Pereira the Coach, a fitter Steven Pienaar, more shooting practice and more composure before the next game with Uruguay and France will do wonders for the South African players.

I still think that among the African teams competing in the World Cup, South Africa, Ghana along with Ivory Coast have the best chances of moving into the next round. 

A small note though is the choice of Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh as the fourth official of the game between South Africa and Mexico. For a small soccer nation like Malaysia, his appearance in the 19th World Cup as an official has done us proud.