Israel Reyes, with positive feelings after beating South Africa: We were up to the task

Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, a result that generated mixed reactions among fans but was met with satisfaction within the Mexican squad. Israel Reyes, making his World Cup debut, emphasized the importance of starting the tournament with a win and demonstrating the team's capabilities.

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Very important that it was for us to start like this, on the right foot. It was about that, I think the national team hadn't won (in an opening match), right? So it was important for us to do it this way, it was important to show what we are made of too.

"It was very important for us to start like this, on the right foot," Reyes stated. "It was about that, I think the national team hadn't won (in an opening match), right? So it was important for us to do it this way, it was important to show what we are made of too."

Reyes acknowledged the pre-match nerves and emotions that the team experienced but felt they "rose to the occasion" and performed well. However, he also pointed out areas for improvement, particularly in creating and converting more chances. "We have to improve that a lot, we want to be a more decisive team," he commented, adding that the win provides a confidence boost and alleviates some of the recent pressure.

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Of course, there is a lot of nervousness, a lot of emotions that sometimes overwhelm us, but today I think the team was up to the situation, and we did it very well.

The team now shifts its focus to their next challenge, a match against South Korea, which Reyes anticipates will be difficult. "We took the first step of three, now we have to stay focused on what's next, the next game, and I tell you, there will be no easy game for us," he concluded.

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We have to improve that a lot, we want to be a more decisive team and, well, in some way, having won also gives us that vote of confidence, it lowered our nerves a bit that we had been having these last few weeks and it gives us a lot of excitement for everything that is to come too.

The victory marks an important start for Mexico in a tournament hosted on home soil, aiming to build momentum through the group stage.

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We took the first step of three, now we have to stay focused on what's next, the next game, and I tell you, there will be no easy game for us.