South Africa Mexico Betting – Mexicans Hold Off Pesky Host Team

Online betting players aren’t expecting much from South Africa in the World Cup, and they have a tough match to open up the big tournament when they take on Mexico, who have made it out of the first round in their last four trips to the event. Their quality and experience will help them fend off a South African team who will have a ton of crowd support.

• What: World Cup Betting
• When: Friday, June 11, 10:00 AM ET
• Where: Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
• Key Stats: This is the first meeting between these two teams

The Storyline

The hosts get the World Cup kicked off proper in South Africa, and the national team is looking to continue the trend of home teams making it to the second round. They won their final friendly by a score of 1-0 over Denmark. Mexico was also victorious in their final game before the World Cup, beating the defending world champions from Italy, but they’re going to have their hands full as the whole country will be behind South Africa.

Who Has The Edge On Offense: South Africa Mexico Betting

South Africa’s offense is going to be powered by Steven Pienaar, who is expected to pull the strings from an advanced midfield role, and he’s the one player on the South African team that has the quality to turn a game on its head by himself. There will also be an eye on the striker situation, as manager Carlos Alberto Parreira left all-time leading scorer Benni McCarthy at home, meaning Katlego Mpehla will be counted on for goals, like he scored in the Denmark win.

Carlos Vela and Alberto Medina scored against the Italians, and Vela in particular will be pegged as the main goal threat for Mexico, who also have a crafty playmaking midfielder in Cuauhtemoc Blanco, who was been one of the best players in MLS for the Chicago Fire before moving back home. Mexico is an aggressive team that will come after you, but look for the duo of Vela and Blanco to rise above the rest of the team.

Who Has The Edge In Defense: South Africa Mexico Betting

South Africa’s defense could be in over its head, and they’re counting on a big showing from captain Aaron Mokoena, who plays for Portsmouth in England, and that’s no glowing recommendation. Itumeleng Khune should be the No.1 goalkeeper, and the 21-year-old is going to have to calm his nerves early in the match.

Rafa Marquez can play in the middle of the field or back in central defense, and the Barcelona defender will be the main man in Mexico’s back line. Marquez also said that he would retire from international football after this World Cup, and he’d also like to show that he’s fully recovered from the knee injury he suffered back in November.

Notable Injuries – South Africa Mexico Betting

South Africa comes in with a clean bill of health, while Marquez (leg) suffered a strain against Italy, but he’ll be ready to go on Friday

Totals – South Africa Mexico Betting

The total for this game is two, but we’re not sure the South African defense is going to be able to hold up against the Mexicans. However, we think they can snatch a goal away, too.

South Africa Mexico Betting Prediction & Outlook

The sports betting odds in this game are much closer than you’d think, as Mexico is favored at +160, South Africa at +170, and a draw at +220. This will be their first meeting in the World Cup, and the pressure will be on the home team with all of their crowd support, which may make them more nervous than they need to be. Meanwhile, the Mexicans have a number of players who have played in big European games, such as Marquez, and they’ll feel no pressure at all.

Bet World Cup: Mexico 2-1