The World Cup opener saw co-hosts Mexico defeat South Africa 2-0 in a dramatic match at a full Azteca Stadium. The game was marked by three red cards, with South Africa ending with nine players and Mexico reduced to 10 in the closing moments.
Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio issued the red cards. South Africa‘s Yaya Sithole was dismissed for denying a goalscoring opportunity, and Themba Zwane received a red card for a slap. Mexico‘s Cesar Montes was also sent off late in the game for a foul.
The match began with a colourful opening ceremony, featuring performances from artists including Colombian singer Shakira. The atmosphere was vibrant as fans filled all 83,000 seats at the Azteca, despite travel challenges in the city.
Mexico took an early lead in the ninth minute with a goal from Julian Quinones. The ball came to Quinones after Erik Lira tackled South Africa midfielder Sithole, and Quinones‘s shot went past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Quinones nearly scored a second goal just before half-time, but his shot from 12 yards hit the right post. The hosts’ advantage grew when Sithole was sent off five minutes into the second half for bringing down Brian Gutierrez, who was moving towards goal.
Veteran striker Raul Jimenez, at the age of 35, secured the victory for Mexico with his first World Cup goal. He powerfully headed in a cross from Roberto Alvarado for Mexico‘s second goal, a moment that visibly moved him.
Jimenez had suffered a life-threatening fractured skull injury in November 2020 while playing for Wolves against Arsenal. His goal in the World Cup opener held significant personal meaning for him.
South Africa, playing in the finals for the first time since hosting the 2010 competition, faced further difficulties when substitute Zwane was sent off for slapping Alvarado. This left them with nine players on the pitch.
Mexico also received a red card late in the match when Montes fouled Khuliso Mudau. However, Mexico maintained their two-goal lead despite being reduced to 10 men.
This marks Mexico‘s third time hosting the World Cup, with the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City staging the opening match, as it did in 1970 and 1986. The team’s strong start suggests they could make an impact in the tournament.
The Mexican squad, under manager Javier Aguirre, benefited from an extended preparation period, with Liga MX players attending a five-week training camp. This preparation appeared to contribute to their sharp performance from the outset.
Wingers Roberto Alvarado and goalscorer Julián Quiñones were particularly threatening during the match. The hosts displayed a dominant first half, reinforcing the impression that they will not be easily overcome in the tournament.
The opening game itself felt like a lengthy contest, even with relatively mild temperatures. Mandatory three-minute hydration breaks, despite temperatures of just 22 degrees, contributed to the first half lasting 55 minutes, including four minutes of added time.
The referee’s decision to send off Zwane for violent conduct, following a review of the incident on the pitchside monitor, was described by some commentators as harsh. However, the referee’s body cam footage reportedly clarified the slap.
The dismissal of Montes for denying a goalscoring opportunity was the third red card of the game. This marked the first time three red cards had been shown in a World Cup opening match.
All three players who received red cards—Sithole, Zwane, and Montes—will miss their nation’s next match. Sithole and Zwane are set to miss the game against Czechia on June 18, while Montes will be unavailable for Mexico‘s match against South Korea on June 19.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
