Mexico beats South Africa 2-0 in World Cup opener marked by three red cards

Mexico opened the World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa, but the match was marred by a flurry of red cards. The hosts secured the win at the iconic Azteca Stadium in front of a roaring crowd of 80,824 spectators.

Julián Quiñones scored the tournament's first goal in the ninth minute, and Raúl Jiménez added a second to seal the victory. However, the game quickly descended into disciplinary chaos.

Within the first 25 minutes, both teams received yellow cards. The situation escalated after halftime when South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole was sent off, forcing his team to play with ten men for over 40 minutes. The disciplinary issues continued as Themba Zwane of South Africa received a second red card late in the game, reducing them to nine men. In added time, Mexico's César Montes was also shown a red card, meaning Mexico also finished the match a man down.

Outside the stadium, protests against the government turned confrontational, with masked demonstrators clashing with police. Videos circulating on social media showed altercations and arrests as various groups, including mothers of missing persons and a teachers' union, gathered to voice their concerns.

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be ready for the intimidating atmosphere created by a capacity 80,824 crowd at the imposing concrete arena.