South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said Friday's 1-1 draw with Mexico in the FIFA World Cup™ opener had "broken the ice" for the hosts despite the heart-break of conceding a late goal.
South Africa, who sent their supporters wild when they took the lead through Siphiwe Tshabalala's superb 55th-minute drive, were pegged back by Rafael Marquez's equaliser in the 79th minute. The Bafana Bafana then came agonisingly close to sneaking a win right at the death when striker Katlego Mphela hit the post after outpacing two defenders.
