Mexico Cruise Past Nine-Man South Africa in World Cup Curtain-Raiser

Mexico began their World Cup journey with a convincing 2-0 win over South Africa on Thursday in the opening match of the tournament, played before a packed crowd at Estadio Azteca.

Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez secured all three points for the co-hosts, while South Africa’s hopes faded after two players were sent off in a match that produced three red cards.

Quinones etched his name into the tournament’s history books by scoring the first goal of the World Cup in the ninth minute. The forward took advantage of an error from Sphephelo Sithole before slotting a low effort past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

The goal ignited celebrations around the famous stadium, which became the first venue to host matches at three different World Cups.

South Africa struggled to settle into the game despite pre-match warnings from coach Hugo Broos about the hostile atmosphere generated by more than 80,000 Mexican supporters.

Their task became even harder shortly after the break when Sithole was shown a red card in the 49th minute for fouling Brian Gutierrez as he advanced on goal.

Mexico capitalised on their numerical advantage in the 67th minute. A quick attacking move ended with Roberto Alvarado’s cross finding Raul Jimenez, who nodded home to double the lead.

South Africa’s frustrations grew further in the 84th minute when VAR intervened and Themba Zwane was dismissed for striking Alvarado in the face with his arm.

Mexico’s Cesar Montes also saw red late in the game after a clumsy challenge on Khulisa Mudau, but the hosts comfortably held on to secure victory and an ideal start to their Group A campaign.

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