Guillermo Franco of Mexico during the opener at the World Cup 2010 at the Soccer City stadium of Johannesburg, South Africa

Steven Pienaar of South Africa, during game of the World Cup 2010 at the Soccer City stadium of Johannesburg, South Africa

The FIFA World Cup 2010 starts with a tie: South Africa 1 - 1 Mexico

All around the world, soccer fans were watching and waiting for the Mexico and South Africa World Cup opener.  

Both country has a strong fan base and expectations were high for a win, and most everyone was surprised with a 1-1 tie after a tense, nail bitting game.
  
South Africa's Midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala scored in the 55th minute to set off euphoric celebrations at Soccer City.

South Africa was enjoying the taste of victory and winning until the 79th minute when Mexico scored to tie the game.   The only sadness was that the man who single handedly and tirelessly campaigned for the World Cup to come to South Africa was not in the stadium. Nelson Mandela, who fought hard to have the world's eyes on a South African stadium, was not at the ceremony.  His great-granddaughter died last night in a car accident.Now the World Cup party has officially started. 
Now, is the U.S. ready to take on England and beat them?   

For up to the minute news coverage of the World Cup, and lots of game details, please visit FIFA's official site.

SoccerNation will be covering highlights of the FIFA World Cup 2010.