Vuvuzela South Africa

I have waited a long time to write this Bafana Bafana vs Mexico Preview.

I don’t think the even six months ago I could have dreamed that I’d be writing this South Africa vs Mexico preview with such a positive heart. Bafana Bafana has grown immensely in the past few months – they really look like a TEAM now, not a bunch of boys with talent and no direction. And I believe the Boys are the fittest of any of the teams at the Finals.

So we know that Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has given the Boys the Vision; the has made them believe in the Dream and now we will see what we never thought would be possible – a team of mainly locally based players taking on the best in the world.

History that Bafana Bafana Must Face

Bafana has to face a big history when they step onto the Soccer City pitch at four this afternoon – host nations have never lost an opener, and have made it to at least the second round of each World Cup. Six Host nations have become the world champions on their own soil.

South Africa, has never even reached the second round, not to mention that they failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, and are also ranked lowest out of the 32 teams in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Coach CAP Confirms Unchanged Bafana Line-up

Carlos Alberto Parreira has confirmed that he will select an unchanged line-up for Bafana Bafana’s opening World Cup clash.

The hosts will face Mexico with the same side that toppled Denmark 1-0, with Lucas Thwala remaining at left back after some impressive displays.

Tsepo Masilela was expected to resume his duties on that flank following an injury, but the Orlando Pirates defender seized his chance and will start the game at Soccer City.

Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Kagisho Dikgacoi continue as the holding midfielders, with Steven Pienaar once again supporting Katlego Mphela in an advanced role.

MacBeth Sibaya – We can Stop Mexico

On soccerladuma Bafana Bafana midfielder MacBeth Sibaya believes that if the team can stop the movement of the Mexican players in the midfield half the work will be done.” Once we can control the midfield, we will be assured of a win on the day. We have to close them down in all angles and they will have no space to move forward. They play well in the midfield where they create chances for their strikers. Therefore, what we have to do is stop them in their tracks in the midfield and move up front with the ball. The battle will be won the in middle of the park,” Sibaya said.

The Russia-based midfielder says Bafana Bafana need to be strong and not give their opponents space at all.

Captain Aaron Mokoena Bafana has Respect for Mexico

On kickoff .com Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena has made it clear that Bafana Bafana have respect for Mexico, but that they will make life very difficult for El Tri in the opening Bafana Bafana vs Mexico game of the 2010 World Cup.

“We have played against Colombia in this stadium and have a feeling of how it will be in the stadium. We are looking forward to tomorrow’s game. We want to be relaxed but not too relaxed. It is most important to enjoy it,” said Mokoena in the pre-match press conference.

“The Confederations Cup is different to the World Cup. We respect Mexico but it is important to give our all. We need tomorrow’s game badly and we will make it difficult for Mexico.

“Carlos Vela is a fantastic player but it is not about individuals. They play three up front and are quick, intelligent players. It is important that we analyze how they play.

“Tomorrow is about us and about what we want. The moment of truth has arrived. There has been a lot of talk, but now it is about taking the pitch and making the country proud.

Mexico More Rounded Team

In many ways, Mexico seems to be the more well rounded team. Entering their fifth straight World Cup in 2010 a re-energised Mexico team has emerged from a dismal run with former coach Sven Goran- Eriksson. But with coach Javier Aguirre bringing Cuauhtemoc Blanco out of international retirement midway through the qualifying campaign, El Tri set a different tone, bringing calm and experience to the squad.

Once the undisputed kings of CONCACAF, Mexico has played a lesser role in recent years to their bitter rivals in the north, the USA.

The Mexicans are technically gifted and can move fast, but their defense is not too great. They foul early and often. They also do not travel well – Mexico plays best in Mexico.

Danger players – Carlos Vera and Giovani dos Santos

Mexico International Friendlies

In recent international friendlies, Mexico lost 3-1 to England and 2-1 to the Netherlands, but bounced back to win against Gambia and Italy, 5-1 and 2-1 respectively and will be using that as momentum in this opening World Cup match.

The Bafana Team: Bafana Bafana v Mexico: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Lucas Thwala, Bongani Khumalo, Aaron Mokoena, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Teko Modise, Steven Pienaar, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Katlego Mphela

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