JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AFP) — Host nation South Africa got their continent’s first World Cup off to a thrilling start by scoring the tournament’s opening goal in a spirited 1-1 draw with Mexico yesterday.

Siphiwe Tshabalala’s stunning 55th-minute strike had most of the 85,000 fans in Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium — and an entire country — on their feet.

Mexican veteran Rafael Marquez equalised in the 79th minute, but only a post denied South Africa a famous late victory when striker Katlego Mphela was denied by

the woodwork.

South Africa’s Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira praised his side — ranked 83rd in the world — for holding their nerve in a match many had expected them to lose.

“As the game progressed, the players became more relaxed and I think the players have broken the ice in terms of playing in a competition like this,” said the Brazilian.

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said his team had failed to capitalise on their early domination.

“I think we had a very good first half, but we weren’t capable of really putting away our chances,” said Aguirre.

In Johannesburg, the curtain-raiser was preceded by an entertaining opening ceremony infused with the colours and sounds

of Africa.

Hundreds of dancers filled Soccer City stadium and the air hummed with the sound of thousands of vuvuzelas which are set to be a constant feature of the tournament.

One heartbroken absentee from the party was Nelson Mandela, who decided he could not join the festivities following the death of his great-granddaughter in a car crash as she was returning from a pre-tournament concert.

The tragedy threw a shadow over an event which is about far more than just football.

South Africa’s pride in making history as the first African hosts has shone through as the Rainbow Nation rides a wave of euphoria not seen since the collapse of apartheid and Mandela’s subsequent election.

Yesterday’s action starts a 64-match bonanza, which will culminate back at Soccer City with the final on July 11.

Today, the fabulously talented Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates coached by the unpredictable Diego Maradona take on Nigeria, and Wayne Rooney leads England in search of their first world crown since 1966.

Bookmakers have installed the gifted Spanish team including Fernando Torres, Andres Iniesta and Xavi as the favourites, but Spain have crumbled so often at this level that many observers believe Brazil could add a sixth title to their record haul.

Kaka and his Brazilian teammates open their challenge against surprise qualifers North Korea on Tuesday, while Spain take to the pitch for the first time on Wednesday against Switzerland.