JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Carlos Alberto Parreira continues to work his magic for South Africa and it nearly brought a major upset in the opening match of the World Cup.

The Brazilian is back in his second spell in charge and saw his team extend its unbeaten streak to 13 games after Friday's 1-1 draw with Mexico, where Bafana Bafana was inches away from a classic victory as Katlego Mphela's late effort hit the post.

Midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane said Parreira "needed to give the team an identity and that's what he did. He understands us and we understand him."

Parreira said the game was a pivotal moment for his inexperienced team. He said "I believe the ice has been broken ... and I believe in the next match we will be even more confident."