JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa and Mexico drew 1-1 in an outstanding opening match as Africa's first World Cup began on an unforgettable day of passion, emotion and drama in front of almost 85,000 fans at Soccer City yesterday.

The hugely entertaining Group A spectacle featured an outstanding opening goal from South Africa midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala, which will surely be among the best goals of the tournament no matter what else happens in the next month.

It ended all-square when Mexico's 31-year-old Rafael Marquez showed his younger colleagues how it should be done when he punished some poor defending 11 minutes from time.

"The draw was a fair result. I think this group is very tough. The team that gets four points will qualify," said South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. "I praised my team. We could have won the game but the result was fair.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre added: "Their goal changed the match a lot. I wouldnt say we got nervous but a little bit anxious. We tried to change our play and we managed to draw but it wasnt enough. We have to praise our opponents."

South Africa's players were clearly struck by stage-fright which was hardly surprising given the emotional build-up to the match and the expectations of the crowd.

They created so much noise with their vuvuzela trumpets that they almost drowned out the sound of engines from the flypast made by South African Air Force jets before the kick-off.

Within two minutes of kick-off, Mexico began to assert their authority when South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune spilt a cross into the path of Giovani dos Santos, whose shot was deflected away for a corner by home captain Aaron Mokoena.

Mexico maintained control for much of the first half with the lively Dos Santos running the midfield and setting up chances for himself, Guillermo Franco and Carlos Vela as South Africa were forced onto the back foot.

South Africa, who had begun to find some rhythm late in the first half when a cross from Tshabalala narrowly eluded Katlego Mphela, came out for the second having remembered they had gone 12 matches without defeat under Parreira.

With Steven Pienaar exerting more influence in midfield and Mexico unable to retain control, there were no arguments about South Africa taking the lead with Tshabalala's stunning left-foot shot flying past Oscar Perez high into the Mexico net.

Five minutes later Khune denied Dos Santos with a superb save at the other end but just when it seemed South Africa had done enough to gain a valuable victory, Marquez punished some poor defending with the equaliser.

Later in the day lacklustre France failed to turn their superior possession into chances and could ultimately pay a heavy price as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Uruguay in an uninspired clash.

It was not quite a repeat of France's 2002 horror show when, as holders, they lost 1-0 to Senegal en route to a first-round exit but the draw leaves the 2006 runners-up with plenty to do.

Uruguay finished the match with 10 men after substitute Nicolas Lodeiro picked up a second booking in the 81st minute.

"It is frustrating not to have won the match," said France coach Raymond Domenech. "Perhaps we weren't calm enough or quite precise enough in the final phase. Uruguay defended very well and they have quality in that regard.

"We tried and in the way we approached the game we did a great deal but we weren't able to finish our chances."

Nicolas Anelka led a three-man front line but looked off the pace and was replaced by Thierry Henry after 73 minutes.

Despite the vuvuzela-led promptings of the 64,000 crowd in the magnificent new Green Point stadium neither side could raise their game, though Forlan lashed wide with 15 minutes left.

Domenech now faces a test of his abilities against Mexico before what could a mouthwatering finale versus the hosts.