WC Countdown: Deja vu 16 years on – Remembering Africa’s only World Cup and Tshabalala’s magic

Around this time, 16 years ago, many things were different from today. Nostalgics might even argue it was a better place back then, but let's not open that door.

People were listening to Usher's OMG, Katy Perry's California Gurls, Taio Cruz's Break Your Heart, and eagerly awaiting Eminem's great comeback to the scene. The new Karate Kid movie with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith was dominating the box office, though everyone was talking about Christopher Nolan's upcoming masterpiece, Inception. The iPhone 4 had recently been introduced, and the whole world was dancing to Shakira's Waka Waka and preparing for the - to this day - the only World Cup ever hosted by an African country.

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And just like today, it was a hot day. And just like today, it was June 11. And just like today, South Africa and Mexico were to open the mundial.

The game in Johannesburg started at 4 pm (5 pm Nairobi time) and, about 70 minutes later, the world witnessed an iconic moment unfold before their eyes, though no one was aware of it at the time.

In the 55th minute of the clash at FNB Stadium, South Africa broke the deadlock. However, it turned out to be the least important aspect of that goal. It wasn't just the first goal of the World Cup, arguably one of the most iconic ever scored. It was the birth of a moment destined to be remembered for generations.

That goal will forever be part of every World Cup highlights reel, and every football fan will learn and never forget the name Siphiwe Tshabalala - back then, a rather unknown Kaizer Chiefs midfielder.

This name will remain a symbol of - let's not hold back our nostalgic side - some better, nicer, and simpler times, when those infamous vuvuzelas and their relentless noise seemed like the biggest problem.

Sixteen years later, many things have changed. Usher, Katy Perry, and Taio Cruz are nowhere near as popular as they once were, Jackie Chan is 72, Inception is considered a classic, while the iPhone 17 is Apple's latest baby.

Yet, one thing is the same: the world is getting ready for the World Cup and its opening game, in which Mexico and South Africa will lock horns once again, for the first time since that match in Johannesburg, only this time, they'll meet on Mexican soil (22.00).

And 16 years later, they meet again... (©Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

For the eighth time, the Mexicans will open the World Cup. They have never won, losing five times (thrice to the mighty Brazil, though). They avoided defeat in 1970 (a goalless draw against the Soviet Union) and 40 years later against Bafana Bafana.

Rafa Marquez scored a late leveller back then, depriving the hosts of a magnificent win, but, from this perspective, it really didn't matter. If Tshabalala's goal was the only thing South Africa did in that tournament, no one would mind.

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They failed to advance from the group stage in 2010, as Mexico's more favourable goal difference prevailed. And tonight, they are underdogs as well. In fact, the Mexicans are by many considered potential dark horses, and the opening game - and perhaps a long-awaited first win in their eighth attempt - may set them up for a strong start.

But even if South Africa loses tonight. And against South Korea in seven days, and against the Czech Republic a week later. Even if they never qualify for the World Cup again, they'll always have something much more precious.

Tshabalala's famous celebratory dance (©Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

Bafana Bafana will remain written in history books, all thanks to one beautiful goal that holds so many memories in it, and a picture of a smiling man wearing a yellow jersey with No. 8 on the chest, and his dance will forever live on in every football fan’s mind and be the first thought when someone mentions the 2010 World Cup and South Africa. In those moments of nostalgia, their lips will utter only one word - Tshabalala.

And honestly, isn’t that more than enough?

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE

First round

Thursday, 11.06.

22.00: (1.50) Mexico (4.00) S.Africa (7.25)

Friday, 12. 06.

05.00: (2.70) S.Korea (3.10) Czech R. (2.75)

22.00: (1.85) Canada (3.70) B&H (4.25)

Saturday, 13.06.

04.00: (2.05) USA (3.35) Paraguay (3.80)

22.00: (12.0) Qatar (5.40) Switzerland (1.28)

Sunday, 14.06.

01.00: (1.62) Brazil (3.80) Morocco (5.80)

04.00: (6.80) Haiti (4.45) Scotland (1.47)

07.00: (4.50) Australia (3.50) Turkey (1.83)

20.00: (1.03) Germany (15.0) Curacao (50.0)

02.00: (2.10) Netherlands (3.45) Japan (3.50)

Monday, 15.06.

02.00: (3.60) Ivory Coast (2.90) Ecuador (2.30)

05.00: (2.00) Sweden (3.35) Tunisia (4.00)

19.00: (1.10) Spain (9.50) Cape Verde (27.0)

22.00: (1.70) Belgium (4.00) Egypt (4.75)

Tuesday 16.06.

01.00: (7.50) Saudi Arabia (4.20) Uruguay (1.47)

04.00: (1.95) Iran (3.35) N.Zealand (4.20)

22.00: (1.47) France (4.50) Senegal (6.75)

***odds are subject to change***