Leander Schaerlaeckens: Fantastic atmosphere here tonight. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We'll have to sign off and get to our respective assignments. Thanks for joining us, everybody!

This team -- sans Jeff Bradley -- will be back for tomorrow's game between England and the USA.

Have a good day.

Diego Zorrilla: My belief is that none of the two teams should be very happy. Mexico should have beaten South Africa, according to rankings and how the game developed. Now they have ahead of them the two most difficult games of the group, at least in theory. And Bafana Bafana need to step up their game if they dream on advancing.

Chris Jones: Anyway, that was a great game. Looking forward to USA-England tomorrow.

Chris Jones: Yeah, Leander, but that's Mexico's fault. You don't finish well, you can't complain about the result.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Overtime is only for knockout round games, Jeffrey.

ESPN Stats and Info: The host nation remains undefeated in opening matches, now 15-0-5 all-time in FIFA World Cup history.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yes, but the South Africans had their share of luck too, Chris. Mexico should have done much better with its chances in the first half.

Chris Jones: That was a terrific game. I'm not sure it was a fair result. I think the Mexicans were a little lucky to escape there with a draw. The non-penalty and the post... I mean, the South Africans tied the group favorite and look disappointed. That says something.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Indeed, his goal was a fabulous one, but I though Giovani Dos Santos was the best player out there today.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Man of the Match: Siphiwe Tshabalala

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Where one Brent Latham will supply you with everything you need to know pre- and post-France against Uruguay.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We go onto the game, Tyler.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Both teams look disappointed, but in fairness, it was a very just score.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Final whistle!

ESPN Stats and Info: The last opening match to finish in a draw was in 1986 when Bulgaria and Italy finished 1-1.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: South Africa is trying desperately to get another attacker, Siyabonga Nomvethe onto the field, but the ref won't look over.

ESPN Stats and Info: The last time South Africa scored first only to surrender a goal and finish the game with a draw was on June 24, 1998 against Saudi Arabia.

Jeff Bradley: Fun opener, the cool temps are going to make for some lively games

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Chicharito could have gotten the ball on one end but lost it while Perez wisely come out to head out another long kick on the other end.

Diego Zorrilla: The Mphela play reminded me of Resenbrink for Holland in 1978 against Argentina... score tied 1-1, 89th minute. Only that one was a World Cup final!

Jeff Bradley: Old Man Blanco can still pass like a magician

Chris Jones: I can't believe that post.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Three minutes of extra time.

Chris Jones: Three minutes extra time announced.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bernard Parker broke away on another long kick and crossed it just out of the reach of Mphela.

Jeff Bradley: Mphela did everything right, just unlucky on the final touch

Chris Jones: Perez has looked terrible. Weak on that play. I wouldn't be surprised to see Ochoa next time out.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A panoply of long shots by Mexico is blocked by the South African defense.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mphela chases a long goal kick that bounces forever, chests it and hits it past the goalie only to hit the post for South Africa.

Chris Jones: Great run by Mphela, outpacing two defenders... Then, post.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: POST!!!!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Blanco sends another wonderful cross in to the box.

Jeff Bradley: I hope SA doesn't complain too much about the non-call in the box. SA had its share of good fortune in the first half. A draw here would be fair for the hosts

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexico threaded some good passes together before the Jabulani skipped over a player. Again, the ball or the field?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Just a handful of minutes left here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexico is pushing well forward, leaving itself exposed to South African counters. South Africa in turn took off a midfielder for a striker when it could have sat back and taken the point.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Both of these teams are really going for the win here, which is nice to see.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Blanco sends a lovely ball into Hernandez who controls it but is tackled well by Khumalo.

Diego Zorrilla: With the game tied, what happens in Uruguay-France becomes more important. Winning that match would put either team in an excellent position, in such an even group. BTW, the Cape Town match has barely received any attention because Bafana Bafana were playing the opener, but I expect it to be a great game

Brent Latham: if this tie holds the talk in South Africa will all be about that non-call on the possible penalty.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: You've got to give it to South Africa, they're not settling for anything.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Steven Pienaar, a midfielder, off for Bernard Parker, a striker.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A lovely play by South Africa is thwarted by the offside flag.

Chris Jones: So, um, yeah... Apparently it was too early.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: With extra time there will be five or so minutes to go.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: South Africa needs to improve its coverage on defense if it is to hold onto this tie. Acres of space are opening up for the Mexican midfielders to drop long balls into.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It looked on the replay like the ball whizzed by Khune, but it really was unstoppable. That's how hard the shot was.

Chris Jones: Very nice. Admirable patience from Marquez too.

Jeff Bradley: A great touch by Marquez to prepare the shot. Ball could've easily gotten away from him

Chris Jones: Botched offside trap, leaving one SA defender marking three Mexicans. Not a good ratio.

Diego Zorrilla: Rafa Marquez takes it where he left it... he scored against Argentina when Mexico went out in Germany 2006, scores again today in the opener

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A great cross by Andres Guardado finds Rafael Marquez at the second post who controls it and thunderbolts it past Khune.

Brent Latham: Looked like Mokoena didn't get the message to get out of the area

Jeff Bradley: It started with a botched short corner

Leander Schaerlaeckens: For Mexico!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: GOAL!

Chris Jones: 1-1!

Chris Jones: South Africa starting to slow down the game now. Khune just took half an hour to take that kick.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Salcido's face sort of said it all. Mexico is in serious trouble. It is no longer bullying South Africa into submission and seemingly has less and less of the ball.

Jeff Bradley: South Africa is moving the ball much quicker in the second half

ESPN Stats and Info: 11 of 12 teams to win the tournament's opening match went on to reach at least the quarterfinals. France in 1930 is the only team not to accomplish the feat.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexico is connecting on some nice passes but the cross by Salcido goes behind the goal.

Chris Jones: Is it too early to talk about the group if Mexico loses? France and South Africa? What?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Go Forlan and Suarez!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Khumalo shields Dos Santos off well there, unceremoniously preventing a big chance.

James Martin: Pardon the interruption but too funny not to post: Pizza Hut will be offering Irish customers free pizza for every goal scored against the French today.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Franco off for Hernandez now. One striker for another.

Jeff Bradley: That non-call give Mexico a new life here

Leander Schaerlaeckens: You're right. Total penalty.

Diego Zorrilla: That wasn't shoulder against shoulder, Maza Rodriguez used his hand

ESPN Stats and Info: South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has never won a World Cup match with any country other than Brazil.

Chris Jones: Rodriguez had his left arm stuck in there pretty well.

Jeff Bradley: I think it was a penalty. Rodriguez played the man 100 percent

Diego Zorrilla: I saw contact there as well, from Rodriguez

Brent Latham: Looked like that could have easily been a penalty, you would expect the home team to get that one. Mexico's really exposed at the back.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Modise was through on goal but was pulled down trying to put it away. His weak shot was saved. Could well have called a penalty there.

James Martin: what a chance!!! game over if that went in.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Almost 2-0!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yes.

Jeff Bradley: Blanco. If my kids weren't in school, they'd be diving on the floor and grimacing

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Play is slipping into a back-and-forth kind of game.

Chris Jones: South Africa playing with much more confidence. Not quite swagger, but getting there.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Two Mexicans coming on here. Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Javier Hernandez -- this is also know as a panic move.

Chris Jones: This place feels like the center of the universe right now.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: So close!!! A nice pass from Pienaar was played onto a third defender who played it just wide. He was called offside though.

Jeff Bradley: Not a chanting crowd. A vuvuzela-blowing crowd

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The South Africans not so much... lots more of the vuvuzela chop going on.

Chris Jones: Mexican fans are very quiet and very still.

Jeff Bradley: The better celebration may have been on the bench where the staff mobbed Parreira

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dan, it was sweet. The South Africans lined up and did what looked suspiciously like the Macarena.

Chris Jones: Joe -- hard to say without the replay, but I don't think so. He touched it twice, once to corral it, and once to kick it home. I think the corral prevented it from going past the right post. Hard to say for sure though without seeing it again.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Perez way out of his goal has to bail out his defense.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The corner falls to Juarez and is blasted over.

Jeff Bradley: This is getting good

Chris Jones: *their

Chris Jones: Khune makes a great stop -- denying Mexico they're own top right corner.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dos Santos again works his way into the box and rips one at the near top corner necessitating a fancy parry by Khune.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Right into Khune's hands.

ESPN Stats and Info: Mexico is 3-18-5 all time when allowing the first goal in a World Cup match.

Chris Jones: Sky is turning pink. Crowd is euphoric. I can't stop shaking.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: No sooner had I written that and Dos Santos built another handsome attack, which yields a free kick from 40 yards.

Diego Zorrilla: I wish I could anticipate what will happen tomorrow with another guy named Diego

Chris Jones: That was a beautiful goal, especially under the circumstances. When Tshabalala broke free, his heart must have been in his mouth.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: With 32 minutes to play, it is now officially time to panic for Mexico.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I was just about to write that this wasn't a great game technically, but then Tshabalala goes and delivers that superb goal.

Chris Jones: I can't say I anticipated that Diego. I should have trusted the guy named Diego.

Diego Zorrilla: Just as all of us had anticipated in the first half: Mexico missed its chances and is now paying the price. It's up to Aguirre now to turn this one around...

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Unbelievable finish by Tshabalala.

Jeff Bradley: And there's that early ball into space. And what a finish. Could not have been better

Chris Jones: They are going to name a city after Tshabalala! What a finish. Top right corner. Perez playing the short side.

Soccer City erupts!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I think we already have our goal of the tournament.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Tsabalala is played into space and sends a scorching shot into the upper right corner!

Chris Jones: South Africa 1. Mexico 0!

Chris Jones: HOLLLLLLLLLY CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: GOAL!!!

Brent Latham: James is that you? On that "goal" the goalkeeper was slightly farther up the field than Vela, so he only ha done player between him and the goal - offside. Close but clear.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mphela beat Rodriguez to the ball and got it to Pienaar. It came to nothing, but it was nice play by Mphela.

Chris Jones: Hey Neil, learn the rules. Then you can call me a moron.

Diego Zorrilla: While Mexico is warming up, I'm chilling up here... it's getting colder as it gets dark. Floodlights are on already, and by the time the game's over, daylight will probably be gone

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A Pienaar cross would have put Mphela through on goal, were it night for a diving Mexican defender's heel.

Jeff Bradley: Maybe we'll see SA start to play earlier balls into space. Pienaar just sent one out wide right and I think Bafana Bafana can be effective if they take fewer touches on the ball

Chris Jones: Now the South Africans are up.

Chris Jones: Correction -- three players.

Chris Jones: Mexico has four players warming up. South Africa, none yet.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Unsettled, ping-pongy half here thus far.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A good Tshabalala cross almost makes it to Mphela in front of the Mexican goal.

Jeff Bradley: I'm going back on my prediction. This game is Mexico's to lose. They are clearly the better team on this field

Chris Jones: I can't believe people are still going on about that offside call. Correct call. Second half. Still 0-0. Rightly.

ESPN Stats and Info: The opening match of the World Cup has been scoreless at the half 7 times. Three of those matches ended 1-0, the other four finished scoreless.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're underway in the second half.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Lucas Thwala off for Tsepo Masilela. A left back for a left back.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Bafana huddle.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The teams are back out there.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: *Jabulani?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The verdict on the Jubilani, it could be the field, but it's moving fast and bouncing high. The shot by Dos Santos early on probably would have gone in if it hadn't swerved so much. Blame that on the ball? I don't know.

Brent Latham: Agreed Diego, Guardado's another player like Dos Santos that could take some control and look to run at the defense and make the killer pass. Maybe Aguirre should also think about sending on Hernandez to pair with Franco and get an extra man closer to goal.

ESPN Stats and Info: Mexico have won eight and drawn two of the last 10 matches in which they have not conceded a first half goal. (All competitions)

Diego Zorrilla: With the South African defence looking shaky, I think Guardado is a potential match-winner, without needing to rely on Franco finally heading it in the right direction

Diego Zorrilla: I'm anxious to see Andres Guardado take the field. He is, for me, the finest player in the squad. He could be part of any national team in the world, and I mean any of the World Cup winners

Chris Jones: That was a classic half for fans and non-fans to argue about. The dolts -- er, the uninitiated - say "0-0, it must be boring!" They're the same people who think Michael Bay makes good movies.

Brent Latham: Leander's got it right about Dos Santos - it looks like if Mexico gets one it will be with him carrying the ball at the S.A. defense and providing service. Tshabalala has also been impressive. Still waiting for Pienaar to do something special - he's capable of it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Time for a bathroom break.

Chris, for the record, has caved and put on an extra sweater.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Losers:
Guillermo Franco -- he should have done better with several chances
Siboniso Gaxa and Lucas Thwala -- who were burned by the Mexicans on the wings

Chris Jones: I can't hear what the announcers are saying, but that "goal" was pretty clearly offside. Only one player was back. Not sure what the issue is.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: For me, the winners this half were:
Giovani Dos Santos -- his torrid runs supplied half of Mexico's danger
Paul Aguilar -- dangerous coming up on the right
Itumeleng Khune -- he didn't look great, but he's had a lot to do
Siphiwe Tshabalala -- what South Africa did accmplish in the attacking half often stemmed from his boot

Jeff Carlisle: I say it again, with regard to Mexico, this is an act we've seen countless times. Tons of possession, but poor finishing. Aguirre must be wondering how the game is still tied. South Africa look very capable of getting a goal here.

Brent Latham: Hard to believe it's been 45 minutes already. Mexico needed to put one in early. South Africa is really growing in confidence and with Mexico pushing its wingbacks forward, they have plenty of space to operate in the attacking third.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Half time.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Several corners by South Africa were dangerous, as has been the play by Dos Santos for Mexico.

Diego Zorrilla: Jeff C, that's true: Perez is not a tall keeper, but he is a good footballer, along the lines of legendary Jorge Campos (the keeper who would play forward every once in a while)

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Absolutely agree, Diego.

Jeff Bradley: Really fun half, even if we don't see a goal here in the final 30 seconds

Chris Jones: For me, Perez has looked pretty uncomfortable. Also, dressed in all white, he looks a little like the Pillsbury Doughboy.

Ochoa might have been a better choice.

Diego Zorrilla: Best chances for both teams have been via aerial play, agree?

Jeff Carlisle: Perez struggling mightily on these corners. At least he's getting a touch though.

Jeff Bradley: Bafana Bafana playing a little rope-a-dope?

Chris Jones: Another SA corner..

Chris Jones: Wow. Turn in momentum here -- that was very close.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A Tshabalala cross misses Mphela's head by inches. He had a free header in front of goal.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Cleared away into touch.

Jeff Carlisle: Franco is at least helping out on the defensive end with that header. He saved them there.

James Martin: Seems to be feeling like that, Leander

Jeff Bradley: We may be Gringos, Diego...but we know that word

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I can't think of a better time for a South African dagger.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The corner whips by the goal. Another on the other end now.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: That said, this game is ripe for an upset. Mexico needs to convert. And quick.

Diego Zorrilla: At halftime, I'll tell you what the Mexicans fans shout every time the South Africa goalie kicks the ball... but it will be strictly off the record

Chris Jones: Vuvuzelas rising up with SA corner...

Jeff Bradley: SA can't get to the changing room quickly enough, folks...

Chris Jones: Keeper botch actually saved them there. He got himself just far enough out of the play.

Jeff Carlisle: Keeper was off his line though James, so there was only one defender back.

James Martin: Peinaar was on the line. Maybe there was an infringement but I didn't see one. Mexico should be up, 1-0

James Martin: No, i don't think it was offsides at all. Replay show their was a defender on the line. BAD CALL

Chris Jones: I'm pretty sure that right about now we're supposed to say, "Mexico has done everything but score."

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexico now has all but one man deep in South African territory.

Chris Jones: I think that deflection over the net -- before the offsides -- might have prevented a goal.

Jeff Carlisle: Vela was offside. Barely.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It was headed on and tapped in at the second post, but he was clearly offsides.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Offsides on the goal by Vela!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Corner to Mexico.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Vela, Franco and Dos Santos tap their way into the box but Dos Santos's shot from a bad angle is deflected by a South African foot.

Jeff Carlisle: Sorry for the radio silence guys. I got bounced by the network here in Rustenburg.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: For all your encyclopedic needs -- need to know what a hypotenuse is? -- call Jeff Bradley.

Jeff Bradley: Ah, yes after Marco Etcheverry was shown a red card at Soldier Field

ESPN Stats and Info: The last time the opening match of the World Cup was scoreless at halftime was 1994. Germany and Bolivia. Germany won that match 1-0.

Chris Jones: That's why they pay you the big bucks, Leander.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Sorry about the late addition of the scoreboard. I always forget.

Diego Zorrilla: There you go again... Mexico setting up another one down the right, just lacking the finishing touch

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Franco plays Vela into space on the right, but his bad cross is too far ahead of Dos Santos.

Chris Jones: That save was unorthodox, but a good reflexive stop by Khune with his right hand.

Diego Zorrilla: I was just about to say that Bafana Bafana were finding their way into the match, when Mexico had an excellent chance

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He chests it down right in front of goal after a pass from Dos Santos but can't get it past Khune, who did a good job making himself as big as possible.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Franco with the huge chance!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexico really would have done itself a favor by scoring early here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: South Africa again turns possession into a good forward position. But Pienaar's cross is blocked and a second attempt cleared.

Chris Jones: Possession: Mexico 61 percent, South Africa 39

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A Pienaar cross comes deceptively close to finding a fellow yellow head, before it's snapped up by Perez.

Jeff Bradley: Stupid ball

ESPN Stats and Info: Francisco Rodriguez has been the main distributor for Mexico: 26 passes completed to 8 different players. Osorio, who is playing right next to him, is the only player he hasn't completed a pass to yet.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long free kick for Mexico. It's airmailed.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dos Santos is allowed to surge up the field once more. Fulham's Dikgacoi uppends him and receives a yellow.

Jeff Bradley: Parreira is very big on "staying compact" and I think the gap between the forwards and the midfielders for SA is way too wide.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Steven Pienaar suddenly found himself one-on-one with the goalie in the box but bowled over the last man behind him and was called for the foul.

Chris Jones: I don't know guys -- Dos Santos wasn't far off with his shot, and there was the broken play early.

James Martin: Cheers, Leander.

And I think you guys make an important point about possession -- it's overrated. SA definitely playing for the counter.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's true, Diego that other than Franco's header, they've not had a proper chance.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: James, for the people at home, is our soccer editor at ESPN.com. The man to thank for all those stories loaded at all hours of the morning and night.

Jeff Bradley: No doubt James, but SA is sitting back too much, applying limited pressure. It's cool out, they need to harass more

Diego Zorrilla: Let me say that I have seen Mexico in this position way too many times. They dominate but they don't score and they end up empty-handed

James Martin: Hey all, James here. All those friendlies have definitely paid off for Mexico. They are sharp with their passing.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: South Africa connects a string of good passes, started by one off the foot of Tshabalala, one of the most technically gifted players on their team, finds a lot of space on the right but the cross went right at Perez, who slipped up but got it anyway.

Jeff Bradley: South Africa has had a few decent movements here, but they repeatedly take one too many touches before finding the open man

Chris Jones: Perez a little slippery there.

Chris Jones: I don't think the ball is as bad as, well, everyone else thinks it is.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexico is firmly in control here, as the vuvuzelas hum insouciantly on.

Jeff Bradley: they can credit the shoes

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Does that mean they have to credit the ball when they score on a big swerving shot?

Jeff Carlisle: I blame the ball. Everyone else is.

Chris Jones: Ball has taken a couple of big skips. Field is very hard, I think.

Jeff Bradley: SA has to be thrilled this game is still scoreless

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A Mexican is taken down. Long free kick with the players getting ready in the box. Headed away by Gaxa. It is sent in again, but Marquez's headed didn't reach as high as Khune's hands.

Jeff Bradley: I thought that was going to hit the net

Chris Jones: Only a matter of time, as they say.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Dos Santos sends a blistering shot from the edge of the box that tails off.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexico on the break!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Long free kick to be taken by Modise.

Jeff Bradley: I think SA is finding the game a bit now

Jeff Bradley: Juarez is shown yellow for delaying a re-start

Chris Jones: Braves fans getting touchy. Meant the Chop wasn't working for South Africa.

But while we're at it: October 27, 1992.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Innocently into th ehands of Khune.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexico with the ball, moving switfly along as Aguilar gets past his man and crosses.

ESPN Stats and Info: After 15 minutes, Mexico is completing 89 percent of passes, South Africa just 54 percent.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A long Pienaar freekick from outside the box sails over.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Fair point, Jeff. But the fact remains that they're overclassed here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He's one of those wing backs that we keep seeing pop up.

Jeff Carlisle: Yes, Leander but how many times have we seen Mexico dominate and lose?

Diego Zorrilla: The South African defence has to find how to stop Paul Aguilar, from Pachuca. Number 12 is a constant threat

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's becoming plain to see that South Africa is overmatched here.

Jeff Bradley: Franco is angry he didn't put that away...kicks sign boards in disgust

Jeff Carlisle: That's a sight West Ham fans know all too well.

Chris Jones: Corner by Dos Santos headed by Franco over the bar.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This field is ridiculously quick. Hooray for soccer!

Chris Jones: Very good tackle by Thwala in the box.

ESPN Stats and Info: South Africa is only the third African side to play in an opening game at the World Cup, the previous two both won 1-0: Cameroon vs Argentina (1990) and Senegal vs France (2002).

Chris Jones: Fans are using their vuvuzelas like the Tomahawk Chop in Atlanta. Not working.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexico's outside backs are sliding waaaaay up the field as soon as they're in possession. While their lineup looks defensive, it overloads in possession.

Jeff Bradley: It really looks like South Africa believe high pressure will play to Mexico's strength. They are really sitting back and allowing Mexico to ping it around

Chris Jones: South Africa has six men across the top of the box on the Mexican attack. They look like soldiers. Terrified soldiers.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexico zips it around for a spell before Aguilar is caught offside.

Jeff Carlisle: Greetings everyone. Pretty impressive start for Mexico from what I've seen. Gio looks up for it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Also joining us now from Rustenburg is Jeff Carlisle, our man on the USA beat!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: South Africa is getting more of possession. A through ball necessitates a shaky run-out and save by Perez.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This is interesting. When Mexico is on defense, they leave three men up front, which is a lot. They seem keen on scoring a few here.

Chris Jones: Torrado gets a stern word from the ref.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: And it looks like Mexico's 6-1-3 lineup is really more of a 4-3-3 it seems, with Dos Santos charged with distribution.

Jeff Bradley: It looks like Parreira's instructions were to concede possession and keep shape...not working so far...Mexico is shredding them

Leander Schaerlaeckens: South Africa has yet to string a few passes together.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A cross by Dos Sanbtos meets the hands of Khune.

Diego Zorrilla: Mexico continue charging down the right... watch for Franco in the box

Jeff Bradley: South Africa have to weather this storm...and it's a mighty storm

Chris Jones: All Mexico so far.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexico still in possession building a nice attack on the right through good work by Giovani Dos Santos.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: A Mexican throw-in leads to an off-sides call.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The Mexican corner finds a friendly head before being headed away.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexcio is the first with a chance! A cross from the right after Aguilar was played into space is cleared after a bad save by Khune.

Chris Jones: Prediction: Mexico will have 94 percent of this game's possession.

Jeff Bradley: Lucky for SA...very lucky

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Mexico is the first to get a spell of possession. Both teams seem jittery.

Chris Jones: Had to break out jacket, although I'm not sure it's the cold that's making me shiver.

Jeff Bradley: Looks like all the SA players had to touch Pienaar's braids for luck

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're underway!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Ready for kickoff!

Chris Jones: Huddles are within three feet after South Africa switched sides. Waiting for a haka to break out.

Chris Jones: I kind of dig the black.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Thatr's not a good thing to look like right now.

ESPN Stats and Info: Mexico have won their opening matches at the last three World Cups.

Jeff Bradley: Mexico should not be wearing black...they look like DC United

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This... is... going... to... be... sweet!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The hordes of photographers are being booted off the field now.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The South Africans have broken their huddle and are dispersing. The Mexicans already have.

Chris Jones: Birth of my children... Marrying my wife... Being here right now. Thanks for joining us, everybody. Chills.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The South Africans sang beautifull, among a sea of their flags, followed by a wall of vuvuzela noise, of course.

Diego Zorrilla: That was some loud singing by the Mexican supporters!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: National anthems... please stand

Chris Jones: Video board has a South African praying as hard as he can.

Jeff Bradley: I wish the FIFA anthem had lyrics

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's only really a contest when the South Africans stop to catch their collective breaths.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: ME-HI-CO are mercilessly put down by amplified vuvuzelas.

Chris Jones: Chants: MEXICO MEXICO MEXICO

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Time for handshakes.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Huzzah!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: "To say I'm honored and priviledged to be given an opportunity to be given an opportunity to declare the 2010 FIFA soccer World Cup opened!"

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Still Zuma: "The time for Africa has come."

ESPN Stats and Info: Mexico have twice before appeared in the opening match of a World Cup, failing to score in both.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: "Ladies and Gentlemen, once again, we as a country are humbled by this honor to host one of the biggest tournaments in the world. Africa is indeed happy. This is the African World Cup." [CHEER]

Leander Schaerlaeckens: "He said: 'The game must start. You must enjoy the games.'"

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Madiba = Mandela

ESPN Stats and Info: Mexico have failed to win their two World Cup encounters against African sides, losing 1-3 to Tunisia in 1978 and drawing 0-0 with Angola in 2006.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: "Firstly," says Zuma. "Let me convey a message from Madiba, our icon."

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He's introducing Zuma now, who will open the tournament.

Chris Jones: Can't... cry... at... work...

Leander Schaerlaeckens: "Even though he couldn't be here tonight, the spirit of Mandela is in Soccer City." *Cheer*

Leander Schaerlaeckens: "Congratulations to the African population and to South Africa..."

Leander Schaerlaeckens: "My dear friends, here we are. The FIFA World Cup is in Africa." Blatter says, following by a loud cheer and the inevitable blare of the vuvuzelas.

Jeff Bradley: Mexico in black looks...wrong

Leander Schaerlaeckens: FIFA President (announced first of course), Sepp Blatter and Jacob Zuma, the South African President, are come out.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The teams are lined up.

Chris Jones: Yellow jerseys for South Africa, black for Mexico.

Chris Jones: I think my chest just collapsed.

Chris Jones: Holy.

Jeff Bradley: just don't say Bryan (I was 8 years old in the Summer of '69) Adams

Chris Jones: Corey Hart.

Jeff Bradley: Yeah, turn off the Nickelback for a few minutes, Jones

Chris Jones: ...take this all in. Can't even type, I'm so excited.

Chris Jones: Headphones off so I can this all in.

Diego Zorrilla: And that was the first opener with the host playing, after several World Cups featuring the reigning champion in the first game

Chris Jones: Flags coming out.

Jeff Bradley: The last WC opener, however, was a high-scoring game...won 4-2 by Germany over Costa Rica...so anything's possible

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Say Hi to the people, Paul. And to your kids, if you feel like it.

Diego Zorrilla: Just talked to friends in Mexico... they say the whole country is watching! It's 8:45 in the morning there, so people either stayed at home or are watching the game at work

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I see Paul Carr, in cognito as "ESPN Stats and Info" has joined us.

Chris Jones: Photographers are massing near center for the arrivals!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're some 15 minutes away, people!

ESPN Stats and Info: Eight of the last 11 opening matches at FIFA World Cups have produced one goal or less.

Jeff Bradley: Time to put on my Luca Libre outfit

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Judging by the volume that the Budweiser stand was doing, I think we're the only ones that are chilly...

Jeff Bradley: To steal a US college sports expression, Mexico travels well...impressive showing by their fans

Chris Jones: The Mexican fans look great, though. One guy is dressed head-to-toe like an Aztec warrior. He must be chilly.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The ME-HI-CO chants are fighting a losing battle to the vuvuzelas.

Jeff Bradley: I think the hard pitch will help South Africa. Mexico wants to possess the ball and they are going to be challenged to make clean touches and perfectly-weighted passes. South Africa, I expect, will be looking to disrupt and counter

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Yes, Denzel. It's very sad. That's why Nelson Mandela isn't here. I wouldn't be surprised, like one of my fellow bloggers has already said, to see a minute of silence or something.

Chris Jones: Great-granddaughter, Denzel. 13 years old. Very sad.

Chris Jones: Sorry Eddie. I've already been put on notice. You'd have to be sitting beside me. There's an empty seat here in press row. Row S, Seat 9 has your name on it.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's hard to tell from within a stadium, since it's seemingly always windy there. It's crisp, but chilly. Many in the press box are bundled up. It's sunny though. It should make for some great soccer.

Diego Zorrilla: Talked to Carlos Bianchi last night, the former Boca Juniors coach... he said he also expected to see a faster game at this World Cup, being played in winter

Jeff Bradley: Can we come over for dinner tonight Andrew?

Chris Jones: There is a small patch at the top of one 18-yard box, and just outside the same box. Otherwise looks clean.

Jeff Bradley: Seriously, the ball rolls incredibly fast, almost AstroTurf fast

Jeff Bradley: Pitch looks firm and fast...

Chris Jones: One section of empty seats... Corporate, I'm guessing. The real fans are here, rocking out to a little Bob Marley. One love.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Pay attention to what your teacher is saying, Adil!

Diego Zorrilla: Couldn't agree more, Leander. I went to Orlando Stadium last night to the Kick Off Concert and had a wonderful time. And everywhere I go, I feel that everyone is trying to make me feel at home

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Don't thank Chris until he gets through a whole game without saying something lewd.

Jeff Bradley: Eight of SA's starting XI play domestically...and three play in the EPL

Chris Jones: Agreed Leander. Magical time so far.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Speaking of which, I, like many, was a little intimidated about the many horror stories coming out of South Africa. But I must say, thus far, everybody has been amazing. The South Africans have been super welcoming, incredibly outgoing and ceaselessly helpful.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Just went to the bathroom, which affirmed that this is a really nice stadium. I highly recommend it, if you ever get a chance to take in a game here. The press box is much nicer than most too.

Notch one for South Africa.

Jeff Bradley: Those shoes, by the way, are not players' choice...those are shoe company choice...the players are mandated to wear what the company chooses

Chris Jones: Looks like they have pylons on their feet.

Jeff Bradley: Neon orange shoes are the order of the day. Worn by seemingly half of the players

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The traditional BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTH went up as SA defender Matt Booth was announced. It sounds like booing, but it's not.

Jeff Bradley: I lost my hearing over the course of 100+ Springsteen concerts...a few vuvuzelas can't change much

Chris Jones: It's like that old line from the Simpsons: "The goggles! They do nothing!"

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Chris has noise-cancelling headphones on.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Guys, I'm telling you, earplugs!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Thanks, Steve. I'm not sure what else to say. I'm not used to getting compliments (hint....)

Jeff Bradley: you feel the vuvuzelas as much as you hear them...

Chris Jones: Those of you asking about Mandela -- his great-granddaughter was killed last night in a car accident and he is not in attendance. I wouldn't be surprised to hear a moment of silence before kickoff.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Just be careful that he's not reading along behind his lectern. I don't know how many Adils are in his class.

Chris Jones: Adil, you fail. And yet, you also pass.

Jeff Bradley: It's not Columbus-in-February cold...thankfully for Mexico...but it's nippy

Chris Jones: Sportswriters are supposed to be all cool about doing big things, like we've seen and done it all, but I've wanted to be at a World Cup since I wore Dino Zoff pajamas. I'm not ashamed to admit I'm having a bit of a hard time keeping it together. Incredible.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Time to put away a piece of chocolate, maybe that will warm me up. Jones, to my left, is being all manly about it and refusing to wear a coat -- talking about being Canadian and all that jazz. Let's see how long he can hold out.

Diego Zorrilla: Well Mark, I've just crossed it off my list today ;)

Chris Jones: Marisa, I feel like I've been struck by lightning. So awesome to be here. Really big day for me.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: You sure know how to get your comment posted, J.P.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We are 45 minutes away from the start of World Cup 2010, folks! Both teams are now out. The Mexicans are stretching, the South Africans kicking it around.

Jeff Bradley: I give South Africa more than a chance. They're the home team and that's a huge deal. Home team has NEVER lost an opener

Chris Jones: I think it's hard to be here, Jeff, and not give them any chance. Incredible emotion.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I'm not grateful for my coat too! It's deceptively chilly!

Chris Jones: Dan, insane. Loudest place I've been, and I've stood within a foot of Don King.

Chris Jones: Beautiful day, Jimmy. Clear, a little crisp, but gorgeous soccer weather.

Jeff Bradley: I don't see South Africa winning at home as an upset.

Chris Jones: SA keepers greeted with a vuvuzela chorus. Unbelievable.

Chris Jones: If South Africa somehow wins this, the whole group will be in disarray. But with this crowd... A South African Azteca.

Jeff Bradley: Mexico's keepers have taken the field for warmups

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Over to the readers, what are your expectations/predictions? And how are you following this coverage or watching this game at work or school?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The vuvuzelas are still thumping and I'm still grateful for my earplugs. The stadium is just about full now. Some very distinct Mexico sections are emerging, but this stadium is still mostly yellow. I'd call it 90 % South African.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: On another note, the field has been cleared of all opening ceremony debris and the cones and balls have been set up/rolled out for the teams to begin warming up.

Diego Zorrilla: Yeah Chris, you're right, Ochoa's form hasn't been the best lately. Perhaps the fact that America, his club, has also been in a slump, has something to do with it

Diego Zorrilla: Sitting right next to me is Enrique Vega, who has been reporting on Mexico for ESPNdeportes.com. He says Rafa Marquez will play a defensive role in midfield with yet another veteran, Gerardo Torrado

Chris Jones: Ochoa has been in a slump hasn't he, Diego? Maybe they decided he has a case of the shakes.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The skinny on Mexico:
While Mexico has won three straight opening games at the World Cup, it's not made it past the second round in any of those times. Mexico isn't good on the road, and has been better in friendlies than competitive games of late, but it should be well-equipped to play here, as the altitude and the noise of the vuvuzelas aren't so different from the height and the noises of the Azteca stadium.

Like South Africa, Mexico's lot improved after it appointed a new manager in Javier Aguirre. Mexico is loaded with young stars like Chicharito Hernandez and Carlos Vela but has yet to put it all together.

Diego Zorrilla: Conejo is another veteran. Maybe Aguirre thought he was better suited for this kind of game, where obviously the whole atmosphere surrounding the game plays an important role

Diego Zorrilla: On goaltending duties, I would have gone with Ochoa, who should have already left for Europe. I think he is a world-class goalkeeper

Diego Zorrilla: Hmm, not the choices I would have made. But you're right about Franco, he probably brings the experience the others lack upfront. And he will probably be the man to follow in the box, since he usually scores via headers

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Do we think Marquez will slide into the midfield and wing backs like Juarez will have license to romp forward?

Diego Zorrilla: When I said champs, I meant World champs... they beat Brazil 3-0 in the final

Brent Latham: Diego--Aguirre has picked Franco over Hernandez, despite Franco only playing one warmup due to a foot injury. Interested to hear your thoughts on that choice. Plus El Conejo in goal? Veteran experience/leadership?

Diego Zorrilla: On the Mexican lineup: two of the three forward were Under 17 champs in 2005 in Peru, Giovani and Vela. And the third, Guillermo Franco, was born in Argentina

Chris Jones: Mexican subs:

Guillermo Ochoa and Luis Michel in goal.

D: Hector Moreno and Jonny Magallon.

M: Israel Castro, Andres Guardado, and Jorge Torres

F: Pablo Barrera, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Javier Hernandez, Adolfo Bautista, and Alberto Medina.

Jeff Bradley: Not everyday you see a Mexican lineup featuring six players who play abroad

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The skinny on South Africa:
While host teams are 14-0-5 in World Cup opening games and have never failed to make it to the second round, South Africa could be a prime candidate to break all of those barriers. It is the second-lowest ranked team here – 83rd in the world. Only North Korea scores worse with 106th.

However, since Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira, who will enter his record sixth World Cup, returned to manage the Bafana Bafana (Zulu for Boys Boys), the South Africans haven't lost in 12 games. They won their last friendly against Denmark 1-0 on June 5.

Nevertheless, this isn't a particularly strong team. While several players play in good leagues in Europe, only a handful are of World Cup-caliber. Everton winger Steven Pienaar is the undisputed star, while captain and central defender Aaron Mokoena adds much-needed experience to the back line. Benni McCarthy, the country's most heralded player, a striker has been omitted from the team, reportedly because of a sex scandal.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: And starting for South Africa:
In goal: Itumeleng Kune
In defense: Siboniso Gaxa, Aaron Mokoena (Captain), Lucas Thwala and Bongani Khumalo
In midfield: Steven Pienaar, Teko Modise, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Kagisho Dikgacoi
Attack: Katlego Mphela

On the bench:
Moneeb Josephs
Tsepo Masilela
Anele Ngcongca
MacBeth Sibaya
Lance Davids
Matthew Booth
Bernard Parker
Siyabonga Nomvethe
Surprise Moriri
Siyabonga Sangweni
Shu-Aib Walters
Thanduyise Khuboni

Chris Jones: Lineups are out. Here's Mexico:

Oscar Perez in goal.

Six (6!) listed as defenders: Francisco Rodriguez, Carlos Salcido, Rafael Marquez, Ricardo Osorio, Paul Aguilar, Efrain Juarez.

One Mid: Gerardo Torrado (el capitan).

And three forwards: Guillermo Franco, Carlos Vela, and Giovani Dos Santos.

Jeff Bradley: Huge Mexican flag just unfurled from the upper deck to our right

Jeff Bradley: I'm all for the U.S. hosting another World Cup someday, but I have to admit, there's no way a stadium in the U.S. is this full so far ahead of the match, opening ceremonies or not

Diego Zorrilla: Thanks Leander for the introduction. Let me say that, despite playing against the home team, I can see that Mexico will have a fair number of supporters today at Soccer City

Chris Jones: First view of the field -- looks in good shape. Couple of small patches in one box.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I believe we are about to be joined by Diego Zorilla, our man from ESPN Deportes.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: If that's not a selling point...

Jeff Bradley: Crazy George, I believe...still performs at San Jose Earthquakes games

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Hey, there's grass underneath that giant tarp they covered the field with for that ceremony!

Chris Jones: There's that correction I was talking about.

Jeff Bradley: Only soccer fans call it the Mexican wave. It was done in the States many moons ago, by Oakland A's fans led by Crazy George

Chris Jones: I've always thought it originated in Mexico, but I could stand to be corrected.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Fill me in here, guys. Is it called the Mexican Wave because the Mexican's invented it? Or because it was first carried out at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico?

Chris Jones: Mexicans just started their first wave.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I think that might be it for the ceremony.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: All kinds of cool shapes.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Stunt planes flying over!

Chris Jones: One hours and twenty minutes till kickoff, and I will never be able to hear again.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Of course by the time I finished typing that they were done.

Jeff Bradley: For such a large stadium, this place is...dare I say...intimate? Doesn't feel too huge

Leander Schaerlaeckens: This is pretty cool, a bunch of kids dressed in white are spelling out the names of the participating countries with orange soccer balls above their heads, flipping them up and down perfectly, depending on whether it's their turn to help form the letter.

Chris Jones: Film of the South African team arriving, coming off the bus, joined in song. Pretty awesome.

Jeff Bradley: Somewhere Dwayne DeRosario is smiling

Chris Jones: We're lucky to get an assistant referee in here.

Chris Jones: Only time you'll see my native Canada's flag at the World Cup, I'm sad to say.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Panels with all the flags of the participating countries are now surrounding R. amongst a bunch of flags -- those of those that didn't make it, I would guess.

Jeff Bradley: I think you're off Leander...this is good

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Kinda glad I have my earplugs in right now...

Leander Schaerlaeckens: First words out of his mouth: "World Cup...world peace..."

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Apparently he's still cool here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Now rising on the stage, R. Kelly.

Jeff Bradley: Those were mostly Mexican-Americans...great folks, by the way

Leander Schaerlaeckens: When we flew over, Jeff and I on Monday and Chris on Tuesday, the plan was bursting with Mexicans donned in their replica jerseys, and armed with their soccer rattles.

Chris Jones: Just talked to some Mexican fans before the game who had traveled 60 hours to be here: Mexico City to New York, New York to Dubai, Dubai to Cape Town, and then a 14-hour drive to Johannesburg.

That's dedication.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Which is odd, since we saw an awful lot of Mexicans.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: You're quite right, Jeff. It is almost entirely yellow.

Jeff Bradley: What is the percentage of fans in the stadium wearing team colors, Mexico or South Africa? I'd say 99...incredible spirit and atmosphere

Chris Jones: My favorite part was the giant dung beetle kicking the ball.*

*This sentence has never before been written.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I must say, I'm not one for opening ceremonies and the like, but this is pretty sweet. There is some quality dancing going on down there, and I should know... I'm a terrible dancer!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: In Holland we saw 1,000 Years of German Humor is the shortest book ever written.

Jeff Bradley: I heard U.S. defender Steve Cherundolo say the other day "Germans don't do sarcasm"...perhaps the Dutch don't do it either

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Chris's jokes take a few minutes to sink in. Usually because they're just not funny.

Chris Jones: Sarcasm is lost on the young.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Oh, I just got that one.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Woops... 53...

Leander Schaerlaeckens: 63, actually, Chris. But thanks.

Jeff Bradley: Having just taken my family to Disney this past February, this show is very similar to the Lion King, which is phenomenal...

Chris Jones: I believe he's 79, Leander. 64 years old than you.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: He's probably the coolest octogenarian I know. Or is he older?

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Archbishop Desmond Tutu was just seen dancing on the big screen.

Chris Jones: You can never have enough remixes of Final Countdown by Europe.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Now playing is a pimped out version of the Final Countdown by Europe, but somehow Africanized.

Chris Jones: Morning/afternoon everybody. Really happy to be here. I'm with Jeff: goosebumps.

Jeff Bradley: I just got goosebumps as a portrait of Nelson Mandela was shown on the video board and the crowd cheered loudly.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The ceremony is really kicking off down there. If you get a chance, check it out on ESPN3.com.

Jeff Bradley: Hello Leander, and hello to everyone who's ready for some soccer. We've been here three days and it will be nice to see a ball kicked.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I am surrounded by fellow live analysts. To my right is ESPN The Magazine's Writer of all things Senior Jeff Bradley, who specializes in African soccer, having attended the African Cup of Nations, and in stories about how manic the latter event was. To my left is Christopher Jones, a well-respected writer but a barely-respectable goalkeeper in the greater Ottawa (very) amateur soccer leagues. The former as a writer-at-large for Esquire and a contributing editor for ESPN The Magazine; the latter for the Ottawa Fusion and for the Blackburn Arms, which is better know for being a pub than for being a hotbed of soccer talent.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: As a consequence, Nelson Mandela will not be attending the opening game.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: There is some sad news though, last night Zenani Mandela, former South African president Nelson Mandela's great-granddaughter was killed in a car crash returning from the World Cup kickoff concert in Soweto. She had celebrated her 13th birthday with her family the day before.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The excitement here isn't just tangible, it slaps you in the face whenever you show your face outside – outside of ESPN's IBC bunker, that is.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Hey, Brent.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The dancers on the field have formed a star and are performing a, well, dance.

Brent Latham: Good morning all in the U.S., good afternoon Leander. A pleasure to be with you for this ceremony!

Leander Schaerlaeckens: I've never been in a place this loud. I've just put in the earplugs my wife gave me, thankfully.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: People in traditional garb are lining the field while a man in tribal dress addresses the public on a platform in the middle of the field in what I can only presume is Zulu or one of the other 10 official South African languages that isn't English.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: The vuvuzelas have finally died down a little while the opening ceremony is underway.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: It's 2.10pm local time, and the gates to the stadium opened at 10am. It is heaving in here.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: We're coming to you live from Johannesburg, South Africa, in the spanking new Soccer City stadium, to be very exact.

Leander Schaerlaeckens: Hi, everybody!