South Africa v Mexico Game Preview

Following their 1-0 victory over Denmark in their final warm-up game, which took their unbeaten run to 12 matches, the fears that South Africa might become the first hosts not to progress beyond the group stages have eased. And yet, despite the presence of France , the South Africa manager, Carlos Alberto Parreira considers Mexico the best and most dangerous side in Group A and there are real concerns about the form of Fulham midfielder, Kagisho Dikgacoi.

The Mexicans sprinted towards qualification, winning their last five matches and they have carried this kind of form into their pre-tournament friendlies in which they largely outplayed England at Wembley and beat Italy 2-1 in Brussels. Their manager, Javier Aguirre, believes this to be the best Mexican side ever to appear at a World Cup and South Africa are bracing themselves for a constant wave of attacking football.

History and venue favour South Africa. Only one host since the War – Switzerland in 1954 – has ever lost its opening fixture and Johannesburg’s Soccer City represents the heartbeat of South African football. However, Mexico have just beaten the World Champions, playing at altitude presents them with no problems and they are supremely confident: Verdict: Mexico to win.