Venue: South Africa v Mexico in Johannesburg – World Cup Group A Match
Date Friday, June 11, 2010
Match Time: 4pm Local
South Africa v Mexico Odds: SA win 8/5; draw 11/5; Mexico win 11/8
Key players – South Africa: Steven Pienaar, Benni McCarthy, Aaron Mokoena. Mexico: Rafael Marquez, Giovani Dos Santos, Andres Guardado.
Tickets: TBA
Livestream: Coming Soon

Predictions:
Greg Neville: The focus of the world will be on this opening Cup match in Joburg. For South Africa, its day to shine has arrived and I anticipate they will as a host on sport’s biggest stage. However, Bafana Bafana will go down to Mexico 1-0 in a spirited effort.

Miki Barnett: After a good showing in the 2009 Confederations Cup (fourth after solid performances against Cup heavyweights Spain and Brazil) and the home-ground advantage, South Africa can cause an upset here. Led by Carlos Alberto Parreira (Brazil’s World Cup-winning manager in USA ’94) and spurred on by 48 million supporters, they could do anything. South Africa 3-2.

Frank Finnegan: A host nation has never failed to get out of their group – rarely has it been considered the level of accomplishment that it would be for this particular host nation. Mexico will use its pace and flair to grab a lead, but that South African crowd will inspire that one great moment, likely involving Steven Pienaar. A 1-1 draw to open “The Group of Draws.” I for one cannot wait to see the crowd reaction to that goal – that moment alone will stamp this as a great World Cup, which it promises to be.

Peter Howard: The same energy that can push a host nation beyond their limitations can also be a source of nerves and angst that can get in the way of a good performance on the pitch. Unless the team sits down and watches “Invictus” right before the match, South Africa will be out-classed by Mexico, a side that has plenty of big venue, big match experience. Mexico wins, 3-1.

Ron Patel: I can’t believe the amount of weight being putting on the fact South Africa is the home nation, and thus, can keep this competitive. They’re probably the worst host nation (on the pitch, strictly speaking) ever at a World Cup and the Mexicans will take advantage. Let’s go with 3-0 Mexico.

Other June 11 matches: Uruguay v France in Cape Town at 8:30pm.
Uruguay v France Odds: Uruguay win 11/4; draw 11/5; France win 5/6.