News Focus
- Mexico defeat South Africa 2-0 in World Cup curtain-raiser at Azteca Stadium
- Three players receive red cards in ill-tempered clash as Bafana Bafana finish with nine men
- Raul Jimenez scores emotional first World Cup goal with header from Roberto Alvarado cross
- Julian Quinones opens scoring after nine minutes following costly error by debutant Yaya Sithole
- Mexico dominate first half with Quinones striking post and Jimenez denied twice by Ronwen Williams
Mexico began their World Cup journey on home soil with a hard-fought 2-0 triumph against South Africa in a stormy opening fixture that saw three players receive their marching orders.
The co-hosts opened the scoring after only nine minutes. Julian Quinones capitalised on a mistake by World Cup newcomer Yaya Sithole, who surrendered possession in a risky position inside his own half. The Mexican forward made no mistake with his finish to give the hosts an early advantage.
The home team dominated the first forty-five minutes and could have extended their lead long before the interval. Striker Raul Jimenez had two attempts stopped by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, whilst Quinones also struck the woodwork. The South African side offered little threat going forward during this period.
Jimenez eventually found the net with a powerful header from Roberto Alvarado’s cross at the far post. The goal proved particularly poignant for the striker, who wept as he celebrated his first ever strike in World Cup finals. The moment reflected his remarkable recovery from a severe head trauma sustained in 2020.
South Africa’s hopes of mounting a comeback were dashed when they were reduced to nine men. The referee produced a total of three red cards during a heated encounter played in front of a packed crowd at the Azteca Stadium.