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Exactly nine years ago today, Johannesburg nearly erupted when Siphiwe Tshabalala opened the scoring in the 2010 World Cup opener against Mexico.
Teko Modise played a one-two with a teammate in midfield and upon receiving the ball just inside the Mexico half, sprayed a defence-splitting ball through to the galloping Tshabalala down the left.
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There was no way Mexico were catching the Kaiser Chiefs speedster and after arriving in the box, Tshabalala smashed the ball into the far corner with his sweet left foot, leaving Oscar Perez with absolutely no chance.
On this day :date::
- ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 11, 2018
In 2010 @siphiweshabba scored a screamer for South Africa to open the @FIFAWorldCup in style :rocket::soccer::flag_za:
Watch all the action from 2018 on @ITV pic.twitter.com/OLGCkEeFuC
The scenes were just incredible - with Peter Drury, the man to capture special moments, capturing it beautifully.
ToDay 9 Years Ago,
- Atanas (@_Atanasi) June 11, 2019
South Africa's Siphiwe Tshabalala scored this screamer as the opening goal of 2010 World Cup v Mexico. Unforgettable! pic.twitter.com/FM7HUM7Dtj
"Tshabalala!
- bet365 (@bet365) June 11, 2019
GOAL BAFANA BAFANA!
Goal for South Africa!
Goal for all Africa!"
On this day nine years ago, Siphiwe Tshabalala - and Peter Drury - got the 2010 World Cup underway. pic.twitter.com/ZfifpEw9nn
"GOAL BAFANA BAFANA! GOAL FOR SOUTH AFRICA! GOAL FOR ALL OF AFRICA. REJOICE!" - was Drury's memorable line, just as the South African players lined up and started throwing some serious shapes.
Mexico would go on to equalise in the 79th minute through Rafael Marquez that didn't put a dampener on what was an moment of ecstasy and euphoria for a country littered with such racial segregation and apartheid for a while.
As far as opening goals go, you'll struggle to find when better in terms of the quality of the strike and what it meant.
Topics: Football News, south africa, 2010 World Cup, Football, World Cup