World Cup Diary Day 1: Group A Stalemate


By Jemma Tappenden
June 12 2010

After a truly stunning opening ceremony the stage in South Africa was set for the kick off of the World's most famous football competition. The hosts, ranked some 66 places behind their opposition in the FIFA rankings, kicked off the tournament as under dogs against Mexico. Next up on the world stage were Uruguay, who faced Group A favourites and 1998 World Cup winners France.

South Africa 1-1 Mexico (HT 0-0)

Venue: Soccer City

Referee: Irmatov

Attendance: 84,000

Host Nation South Africa celebrate a well earned point against a side ranked 66 places higher than them in the FIFA Rankings.  A stunning opening goal from Tshabalala had the South African fans dreaming of all three points, until Mexico's Marquez broke their hearts with an equaliser 11 minutes from time.

South Africa (FIFA Ranking: 83)

  • 16 Khune
  • 02 Gaxa
  • 04 Mokoena Captain
  • 15 Thwala (Masilela, 45 - Yellow card)
  • 20 Khumalo
  • 08 Tshabalala - GOAL 55 MINS
  • 10 Pienaar (Parker, 83)
  • 11 Modise
  • 12 Letsholonyane
  • 13 Dikgacoi - Yellow card
  • 09 Katlego Mphela

Mexico (FIFA Ranking : 17)

  • 01 Perez
  • 02 Rodriguez
  • 03 Salcido
  • 04 Marquez - GOAL 79 MINS
  • 05 Osorio
  • 12 Aguilar (Guardado, 56)
  • 16 Juarez - Yellow card
  • 06 Torrado Captain - Yellow card
  • 09 Franco (Hernandez, 73)
  • 11 Vela (Blanco, 69)
  • 17 Giovani

Uruguay 0-0 France

Uruguay and France battled it out in a truly awful game which ended with a much deserved goal less stalemate.  The unexpected result leaves Group A even on one point a piece after 1 game played.

Venue: Green Point Stadium

Referee: Nishimura

Attendance: 64,000

Uruguay (FIFA Ranking: 16)

  • 01 Muslera
  • 02 Lugano Captain - Yellow card
  • 03 Godin
  • 06 Victorino - Yellow card
  • 16 Pereira
  • 11 Pereira
  • 15 Perez (Eguren, 87)
  • 17 Arevalo Rios
  • 18 Gonzalez (Lodeiro, 63 - Yellow card, Red card )
  • 09 Suarez (Abreu, 73)
  • 10 Forlan

France (FIFA Ranking: 9)

  • 01 Lloris
  • 02 Sagna
  • 03 Abidal
  • 05 Gallas
  • 13 Evra Captain - Yellow card
  • 08 Gourcuff (Malouda, 75)
  • 14 Toulalan - Yellow card
  • 19 Diaby
  • 07 Ribery - Yellow card
  • 10 Govou (Gignac, 85)
  • 21 Anelka (Henry, 71)

Group AWDLGDPTS
Mexico 01001
South Africa 01001
France 01001
Uruguay 01001

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World Cup Diary Day 1: Group A Stalemate
Discussion started by Lions of England (IP Logged), 12/06/2010 12:01
Lions of England
Lions of England
12/06/2010 12:01
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MESSAGES->author
World Cup Willie
12/06/2010 12:08
Thought we may have seen something like this from the South Africa board tut tut.

Well yers know where to come for yers world cup info don't yer folks.

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MESSAGES->author
St George
12/06/2010 12:10
(Sm6)

Yes, get it here first folks.

Obviously I'm going to do it as a diary, so will update at the end off everyday rather than game by game.

It's always useful to have incase we want to check back for previous results/form etc

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