SOUTH AFRICA VS MEXICO WORLD CUP 2010 OPENING MATCH BETTING PREVIEW

The opening fixture of the 2010 World Cup is a lot more even than many casual observers would have you believe. In the South Africa vs Mexico match, popular UK bookmaker Ladbrokes has priced the host nation at 2.87 to win the match while Mexico trade at a mere 2.4. There’s not a huge amount between both sides, odds-wise, although certainly Mexico boast some higher-profile stars.

The draw pays out at 3.3 and that wouldn’t be particularly surprising if things panned out that way. Mexico did look threatening against England at times and I definitely think they will score, the only question is whether South Africa can manage more than they do.
The match begins at 15:00 UK Time.
For Mexico, their favoured goalscorers are Guillermo Franco and new Manchester United signing Javier Hernandez, who are both available at 2.75. Carlos Vela is just a step behind at a 3.25 price. Cuauhtemoc Blanco is trading at 3.5. Giovani Dos Santos is worth keeping your eyes on and he’s trading at 4.0.
Rafa Marquez is at 9.0 to score anytime.
For South Africa, they’ll be looking to Katlego Mphela, who is their favoured anytime goalscorer at a 3.25 price. Siyabonga Nomvethe can be backed at 3.5 while Bernard Parker sits at a 3.5 margin. You’ll also find Everton’s Steven Pienaar at a 5.0 price.
If you think Mexico are going to take this one, try backing them to win to nil with a 3.75 margin. South Africa to win to nil are 4.0, but I don’t think they will be able to keep Mexico off the scoresheet.
I think South Africa to come from behind and win isn’t a bad bet at a 15.0 price. With so little between the two sides, odds-wise anyway, this looks a distinct possibility.
The favoured correct score margin is a 1-1 draw which trades at 6.0. Mexico to win 1-0 pays out at 6.5 while South Africa 1-0 is trading at 7.5. 2-1 to South Africa is priced at 10.0 while Mexico is at 9.0 to win the match 2-1.
I expect an open affair between both sides and with the 2nd spot Group A definitely up for grabs, getting the full points from this match will be very important. South Africa will be buoyed by the home crowd and it may prove to be a bit too much for Mexico. I still think the CONCACAF side have the advantage based on strikers, but if South Africa stay organized they have a solid chance of making a major statement.