South Africa vs Mexico

i dont think SA will win many points. max one point from this match for SA

Host nation has rarely though - if ever - been a poorer side than this South African team. Haven't most of the previous tournaments opened up with the holders playing the opening game anyway? I know Germany v Costa Rica last time in Germany featured the hosts and not the holders but, before that, 2002 kicked off with the holders France against Senegal if memory serves me correctly.

Or are you saying that the hosts have never lost their opening match?

He surely means the latter.

I agree with you though, it is a meaningless statistic really when you look at the previous hosts.  They are are all decent teams with the exception of Korea/Japan, and even they are nowhere near as bad as SA.

I'll be looking to back the Mexicans I think although I don't think FIFA will want their first African hosts to be pummeled so that curbs my enthusiasm a touch.

The current holders used to play the first game at the next World Cup but since the holders are no longer guaranteed a place at the next tournament, this honour now goes to the hosts.

USA in 1994 & Mexico in 1986 weren't great sides but still managed to avoid defeat in their respective openers

i think its an odd fixture to start the world cup, maybe france as their the biggest name in group a should have played the hosts.

Will be a nervy opening game for both sides, neither of whom will want to lose their first game. South Africa are a woeful side, although Mexico do struggle to score lots of goals. They should be too good for the hosts though, so I think this will end up being 1-0 or 2-0 to the Mexicans.

i see this being a draw...possibly 0-0...

a nice thrilling opening match

ill be laying Mexico

El Tri are a quick passing team. I'd much rather this not be our first game, but I think they will be too fast for South Africa. African teams tend to play a style of football that suits us, so despite South Africa having the crowd behind them, I still think El Tri wins this maybe only by 1-0 but I'll take it.

Mexico are a little like Arsenal in some respects.  Very quick passing, a young side, but sometimes lacking physical players in midfield.  This World Cup may be too early for them, but I still think they're too strong for South Africa.