JOHANNESBURG — All credit to South Africa for playing tough against Mexico, not being intimidated and riding the overwhelming home support in Friday’s World Cup opener. It was a great point for Bafana Bafana, one that gives them hope of advancing to the next round.
But let’s be honest: Mexico dodged a huge bullet when Rafa Márquez scored in the 79th minute.
El Tri should have won this game, and they should have done it convincingly. They have only themselves to blame for failing to leave Soccer City with all three points; it has nothing to do with Carlos Vela’s goal being called off in the 38th minute.
According to FIFA’s rulebook: “A player is in an offside position if he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent.”
The replay clearly shows that Vela is clear of South Africa keeper Itumeleng Khune, who had charged out of the six-yard box. And yes, Steven Pienaar was on the line to cover the net, but that doesn’t make Vela onside.
WATCH:HIGHLIGHTS: S. A. 1 - 1 MEX
The real key to the offside position is that before Vela gets a touch on the ball, teammate Guillermo Franco flicks. After the flick, Vela is caught between Khune and Pienaar, and that's when he's ruled offside.
Because Khune was that second-last opponent, Pienaar’s position didn’t matter. Had Vela struck the ball with Khune and Pienaar in front of him, then it would have been valid.
So let’s get this straight right now: Vela was offside. The Mexicans were not robbed, and even they have an inkling that’s the case.
"Let's watch the film and analyze it without emotions and talk with the manager to see in what ways we can improve," Giovani dos Santos told Univisión after the match.
Mexico doomed themselves by failing to convert their scoring chances, and then over-committing on offense to make up for it. That, in the end, made the real difference.
“We came here with the ability to win and, unfortunately, they scored a goal on us,” Giovani said. “They came out with a defensive style, working for the counterattack and that's what they got and it complicated the game for us.”
Now that’s the right call.
BUY: MEXICO JERSEY
Mexico's Vela celebrates his goal before he was ruled offside and his score was annulled.
Poll: Where will Mexico finish at the World Cup?Fabiano to miss cup final
