SOUTH AFRICA VS MEXICO WORLD CUP 2010 OPENING MATCH ODDS

The opening match of the 2010 World Cup is going to be a really entertaining affair and I predict lots of open play and plenty of buzzing noises accompanying every touch of the ball. It's a pretty proud day for Africa and I can tell that from half a world away. 

It would be great if the Bofana Bofana can pull off a famous victory here or even snatch a draw. Mexico have been listed as the favourites by English bookmaker Ladbrokes and you'll find the CONCACAF representatives at a 2.4 price while South Africa can be backed at 2.87. 
There's not a huge amount between the two teams, odds-wise, and the draw is listed at 3.3 and I think that's a pretty good bet for South African fans. 
Ladbrokes will have in-play betting available for every single World Cup 2010 match, so you'll be able to hedge any of your pre-match bets in-play so this ads a lot of diversity to your betting strategy. 
Mexico are odds-on to score first with a 1.9 price putting them ahead of 2.1 South Africa. 
It's clear that the bookmakers expect goals here as both teams are priced quite high to win to nil. Mexico are at 3.75 while South Africa are listed at 4.0. 
Personally, I think that if you're looking to back South Africa somehow, take them on the come from behind and draw market with Ladbrokes. You'll find them at 7.0 and they're at 5.5 to come from behind and win or draw. I can see Mexico notching the first one, but I don't doubt their ability to claw goals back. South Africa will be fired up for this one. 
Mexican strikers Guillermo Franco and new Manchester United signing Javier Hernandez are both priced at 2.75 to score anytime. Katlego Mphela looks to be the go-to-guy for South Africa and he's listed at 3.25- the same price as Arsenal forward Carlos Vela. Giovani Dos Santos is at 4.0 while Steven Pienaar is pirced at 5.0. 
I think Mexico are justifiable favourites, but there's a very good chance that South Africa could push for a result here. I don't think the first goal is crucial, and I think the first half may be a bit drab. Expect the atmosphere to get racheted up though when South Africa chase down a lead. I think South Africa to come from behind and draw is a very good selection here. I like goals from Hernandez and Mphela. Keep your eye on Pienaar as well.