Mexico beat South Africa to kick off World Cup

Mexico kicked off their World Cup campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa on Thursday, igniting the biggest ever edition of the global football tournament. The match, held at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, saw Julian Quinones score the opening goal, with veteran striker Raul Jimenez adding a second to give the co-hosts a smooth start in Group A.

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Mexico ignited their World Cup party with a dominant 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa on Thursday as the biggest ever edition of the global footballing showpiece kicked off at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

South Africa struggled to make an impact and finished the game with only nine players after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off. The intimidating atmosphere of the Estadio Azteca, with a capacity crowd of 80,824, seemed to affect the South African players early on. Quinones put Mexico ahead in the ninth minute with a low shot through the goalkeeper's legs, met by a deafening roar from the home fans.

Sithole's difficult afternoon concluded with a 49th-minute red card for fouling Mexico's Brian Gutierrez when he was through on goal. Mexico capitalized on their advantage in the 67th minute, with Roberto Alvarado providing a cross for Jimenez to head home at the far post. The situation worsened for South Africa in the 84th minute when Zwane was dismissed following a VAR review for striking Alvarado.

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The Mexican-colored red, green and white smoke from pre-game fireworks had barely dissipated before Quinones fired the hosts into the lead on nine minutes, drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams.

There was late drama when Mexican defender Cesar Montes also received a red card for a challenge on Khulisa Mudau near the penalty area. Despite the late dismissal, Mexico secured a dominant win in their opening match, setting a positive tone for their World Cup aspirations.

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Mexico rammed home their advantage in the 67th minute, with a fine counter attack culminating in Roberto Alvarado crossing for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jimenez to nod home at the far post.