The first match at the FIFA World Cup will have host nation South Africa taking on Mexico, Friday June 11, in Johannesburg – JSC. World Cup oddsmakers at BODOG.com have Mexico as +145 moneyline favorite over South Africa (+175) with the over/under set at 2.5 goals . Be sure to get your South Africa vs Mexico 2010 World Cup Predictions Group A Odds in now at BODOG.com
South Africa will be making their second appearance in a World Cup final. They won their final three games over Cologne, Ghana and Denmark, while scoring eight goals and conceding one. South Africa extended an unbeaten eight-month run to 12 matches. "We respect everyone, but we fear nobody, “ Parreira said. The host nation will be led by Brazilian Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who chose a FIFA World Cup team capable of making the host nation proud at the tournament. Their most well-known name is probably Everton's talented midfielder Steven Pienaar. All hopes rest on the star man, although Panathinaikos man Bryce Moon could well shine. Their squad will be hoping their all-time top score Benni McCarthy can regain his fitness. The experienced front-man has played very little football since his move to West Ham. Fulham's Kagisho Dikgacoi and Portsmouth's Aaron Mokoena have been in and out of their club sides all season, and both will be hoping to get over their respective cup final disappointments in time for the opening game.
Mexico will be making their 13th appearance in a World Cup final. Mexico won only one of their final three games, with a win over Gambia and loses over the Netherlands and Italy. Their objective will now be to progress beyond the Round of 16, where they have been knocked out at the last four FIFA World Cup finals. Mexico is in Group A along with South Africa, France and Uruguay. It’ll be up to one man to guide Mexico to a Cup final; Javier Aguirre is Mexico's most successful coach of recent times. His most successful result was in World Cup 2002 finishing tops in a group that contained Italy, Croatia and Ecuador. Their squad this Cup will be strong. Veteran playmaker Cuauhtemoc Blanco is perhaps the player Mexico fans should thank for their side's turnaround. Lured out of retirement by Aguirre, the uniquely talented 36-year-old became the symbol of a rejuvinated team, helping younger team-mates such as Guillermo Ochoa, Efrain Juarez, Andres Guardado and Giovani dos Santos to find their best form.
South Africa vs Mexico
When: Friday June 11 10:00 AM ET
Line: BODOG.com
Pick: Mexico +145
Point-Spreads.com South Africa vs Mexico 2010 World Cup Predictions Group A Odds
The Bottom Line: Mexico has a better team on paper, but you never know with a nation on your side. Be sure to get your South Africa vs Mexico 2010 World Cup Predictions Group A Odds in now at BODOG.com and receive a 10% deposit bonus.
