Mexico began their FIFA World Cup campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Friday, with Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez finding the net in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
The match was played at a high intensity and featured three red cards. According to ESPN, it marked the 20th World Cup match hosted at Estadio Azteca — the most by any stadium in tournament history. Mexico also extended their unbeaten record at the venue and registered a 22nd consecutive victory against African opposition across all competitions.
South Africa, with every player making their World Cup debut, started confidently despite the occasion. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was called into action early, producing a fine save to deny Jimenez in the fifth minute.
Mexico took the lead in the ninth minute through Quinones. A misplaced pass from Williams led to a turnover by Sithole, allowing Erik Lira to regain possession before feeding Quinones, who fired a low shot past the goalkeeper from the edge of the penalty area. According to Sky Sports, it was the earliest World Cup goal since Philipp Lahm scored for Germany against Costa Rica in the 2006 tournament.
Quinones remained a constant threat and tested Williams again in the 20th minute with a long-range effort. Brian Gutierrez also came close in the 30th minute, while Williams made another crucial save five minutes later. South Africa’s best opportunity of the first half fell to Lyle Foster, whose header failed to find the target.
Mexico dominated possession and created several chances before the break. Quinones struck the post, while the hosts finished the opening half with over 57 per cent possession, 10 shots, and 11 touches inside the South African penalty area.
South Africa’s challenge became more difficult five minutes into the second half when Sithole was shown a red card for a foul on Gutierrez just outside the box, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
Mexico continued to press and introduced 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, the youngest player at the tournament, as a substitute for Gutierrez.
The hosts doubled their lead in the 67th minute through veteran striker Jimenez, who headed home emphatically after a move involving Quinones and Alvarado. The goal marked a memorable moment for the 35-year-old forward, appearing in his fourth World Cup.
Jimenez later appealed for a penalty after contact with Sibisi inside the box, but the referee dismissed the claims and instead issued a yellow card to the South African defender.
Quinones, one of Mexico’s standout performers, was substituted in the 79th minute and replaced by Vega.
South Africa’s hopes of a comeback ended in the 83rd minute when Zwane received a red card, reducing the side to nine men. Mexico also had a player sent off during stoppage time, taking the total number of red cards in the match to three.
Despite the late dismissal, Mexico comfortably secured all three points to begin their World Cup campaign on a winning note and delight the home supporters at Estadio Azteca.
(With ANI inputs)
