Despite all the preparation and excitement before kick-off, the first match of the World Cup was a relatively academic affair.
Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca was marked by three red cards, two goals and the start of a major tournament.
el tri Started brightly with a goal in the ninth minute, although sadly it was all down to the fault of South Africa's Spafelo Sithole, who tripped on the ball as his team tried to avoid a goal kick. Julian Quinones made them pay with a superb finish as he fired a right-footed shot into the South African net.
Sithole's afternoon was spoiled just after half-time when he received his first red card of the tournament and was sent off bafana bafana With 10 men. The Mexicans would make them pay, as Raul Jimenez scored his first World Cup goal for his country in an emotional moment.
The striker made a brilliant run at the back post to nod in a superb cross. He burst into tears on the pitch after scoring, it was an emotional moment and a fantastic comeback for the 35-year-old, who suffered a serious head injury in 2020 that threatened his career. He was also playing in honor of his father, who died earlier this year.
The match ended with two separate bad moments as another South African player was sent off with a straight red card. Themba Zwane committed an unnecessary foul, hitting the ball with his hand and catching his opponent.
And just before the full-time whistle, Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio ruled that Cesar Montes, despite his apparent harshness, prevented a clear and obvious goalscoring opportunity by South Africa, which means a red card according to the rules of football.
Moments later, the full-time whistle blew and Mexican fans were thrilled to walk out of their famous stadium. The tournament is going well and his country is likely to reach the knockout rounds.