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World Cup Daily Recap: Draws for all in Group A

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Photo by Joe Toth/ISIphotos.com

By AVI CREDITOR

After the first round of games for the World Cup's Group A, not a whole lot has been cleared up.

South Africa yielded a late goal to Mexico in their tournament-opening, 1-1 draw, and Uruguay and France played a forgettable 90 minutes in their scoreless tie, meaning that all four teams have earned a point with two games remaining in group play.

The host country looked ready to post a shocking result after Siphiwe Tshabalala confidently finished a left-footed shot and gave the Bafana Bafana a 1-0 lead over favored Mexico in the 55th minute.

After controlling most of the run of play, El Tri didn't crumble, persevering to find a 79th-minute equalizer through captain Rafael Marquez to emerge from a vuvuzela-laden Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg with a draw.

Mexico thought it had gone ahead in the 37th minute, when Carlos Vela finished a flicked-on corner at the goal mouth. However, South African keeper Itumeleng Khune had come way off his line to defend the set piece, thus making Vela offside.

Khune came up big in the 60th minute, robbing Giovanni Dos Santos on a shot aimed for the upper right-hand corner of the net.

Katlego Mphela almost gave the hosts a dream winner just minutes from full time, but his shot on a breakaway attempt caromed off the left post. Nevertheless, South Africa avoided becoming the first host nation to lose the opening match of the tournament.

Here are highlights from the match:



URUGUAY 0, FRANCE 0

Raymond Domenech's Team Turmoil failed to take advantage of a sizable possession disparity, as 10-man Uruguay held strong to earn the point at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium.

Thierry Henry and Florent Malouda, both substitutes, entered in the game's final 20 minutes but didn't have enough time to break down Uruguay's organized back line.

France went up a man when Uruguay's 63rd-minute substitute Nicolas Lodeiro picked up his second yellow in the 81st minute. Despite the advantage, Henry & Co. couldn't find a winner. Henry's best chance came in front of the goal in the 88th minute, when his shot was blocked by a Uruguay defender. The French appealed for a handball, but the referee (and karma gods) made the correct ruling of no penalty.

Prolific Uruguay striker Diego Forlan had two of the game's best chances. He was denied by France keeper Hugo Lloris on an 18-yard shot in the first half, and he misfired from inside the box on a golden chance off a throw-in in the 73rd minute.

Here are highlights from the match:

Uruguay resumes group play against South Africa on Wednesday, and France and Mexico will meet on Thursday to wrap up a crucial second set of group games.

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What did you think of Friday's games? Surprised that Mexico couldn't defeat South Africa? Like South Africa's goal celebration? Disappointed by France's showing? Impressed by Uruguay's defense? Who do you think will emerge from the group?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Both France and Uruguay looked terrible. Uruguay looks like the worse team in the group actually. No midfield whatsoever. I can see South Africa beating Uruguay at this point.

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  2. I thought it was Mexico’s game to win. now that they only got a draw against the weakest team in their group they are going to have to come big in the remaining 2. is like a 3 team group for mexico with france and Uruguay having the benefit to play SA for their easier win.

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  3. Are you talking about the volley? That was a tough shot.

    Is there a more overused phrase in soccer than “talismanic”?

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  4. then, the crew was wrong. While Mexico had the run of play in the 1st half, SA had the better chances of the 2nd half. Yes, SA was lucky not to go down a goal or two early, but Mexico was equally lucky not to lose the game at the end.

    So, on balance, I’d say a fair result.

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  5. jjank, aqk, Your conclusions are not supported by the numbers and therefore questionable. Barcelona with possession football produced the best record in Europe 31 wins 1 loss. This is factual. Inter won the Champions, one game, with bunker and counter, again factual. Most impartial observers would add more weight to grading tactics over the longer period. One game is a pale comparison to 40. It is not crazy to be enamored by Barca’s possession ball, even if Hull beat them in the final.

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  6. This is good news, though who knows how long Aguirre stays in charge after the W.C. I think my dislike of El Tri is based more on the last generation of players (Blanco, Borgetti, and Marquez especially) who seemed to always be whining and making cheap fouls. I don’t know if I feel the same animosity towards the younger guys.

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  7. Well playing with 8 defenders in the box S. Africa created better scoring chances in the second half than Mexico did. Mexico’s centerbacks looked slow and did not impress. I would be worried about Forlan or Henry running at those guys.

    Based on the S. Africa game it looks like Mexico will rely on Giovanni for offense. Is he up to carrying the team? I think Aguirre should give Guardado and Chicharito a start.

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  8. I didn’t think Mexico played all that well today.

    Also Anelka was terrible for France today. Far too selfish to pass the damn ball.

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  9. but then again…. forlan should have put that ball away!!! Seriously he was right in front of the goal and he missed. the goalie didn’t stop it, he missed!

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  10. Men of the match

    South Africa: Khune

    Uruguay: Muslera

    Outstanding goalkeeping from both these men, both made fantastic stops and kept their country in the tournament.

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  11. Agreed.. Sagna is a very lucky man. That tackle could have easily broken his leg. It reminded me of the tackle that injured Michael Ballack.

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  12. Why would you be surprised? Have you ever heard those guys call an EPL game? They DON’T understand the offside law, and quite a few other besides. They seem to think that a Bloke-y accent gives them gravitas, but really, their understanding of the laws has always been minimal at best. Of course, McCoist was a player, so no puzzle there.

    Reply

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