For all the build-up and excitement ahead of kickoff, the first match of the World Cup was a relatively academic affair.
Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City was marked by three red cards, two goals, and one massive tournament getting underway in earnest.
El Tri got off to a fast start with a goal in the ninth minute, though it sadly was all about a mistake from South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole, who got caught on the ball as his team tried to play out from a goal kick. Julián Quiñones made him pay with a fine finish, blasting a right-footed shot into the South African net.
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Sithole’s afternoon got worse just after halftime when he received the tournament’s first red card, leaving Bafana Bafana with 10 men. The Mexicans would make them pay, as Raúl Jiménez scored his first World Cup goal for his country in an emotional moment.
The striker made a great run at the back post to nod in a fantastic cross. He burst into tears on the pitch after scoring, an emotional moment and a great comeback for the 35-year-old who suffered a serious head injury in 2020, which threatened his career. He was also playing in honor of his father, who died earlier this year.
The match ended with two different ugly moments as South Africa had another player sent off with a straight red card. Themba Zwane committed a needless foul, lashing out and catching his opponent with his hand off the ball.
And just before the full-time whistle, Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio adjudged that César Montes prevented a clear goalscoring opportunity by South Africa, which, by the letter of the laws of soccer, means a red card, despite its apparent harshness.
A few moments later, the full-time whistle blew, and the Mexican fans could leave their legendary stadium thrilled.
The tournament is well and truly underway, and their nation is likely on its way to the knockout rounds.