With the world watching, South Africa almost made the perfect start to the tournament, but a shot against the post in the dying minutes ensured that the points were shared with Mexico.

Despite Mexico looking much the better side The Rainbow Nation went ahead, in front of 84,000 ecstatic fans, in 55^th minute with a goal worthy of the occasion.  A series of slick passes from deep inside their own half culminated with a perfect strike from Siphiwe Tshabalala, who fired in a left-foot thunderbolt into the far corner of the net.  However, Mexico's Rafael Marquez equalised 12 minutes from time to the deny hosts the win.

The match and opening ceremony was missed by Nelson Mandela, who was absent due to the death of his great-granddaughter, who was killed in a car accident earlier in the day.