Co-host Mexico kicked off the largest World Cup in history with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday. However, the match was overshadowed by three red cards — two for South Africa and one for Mexico — the most ever in an opening World Cup match.
Mexico's Historic Win
This was Mexico's first win in a World Cup opener, after previously losing five and drawing two, including a loss to then-host South Africa at the 2010 World Cup. The more than 80,000 fans, mostly clad in Mexico green, did not have to wait long to celebrate the tournament's first goal. Julián Quiñones struck low through the legs of South Africa goalkeeper Rowen Williams with less than nine minutes gone. Quiñones, who was the top scorer in the Saudi league this season, scored the earliest goal to start a World Cup since Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes in 2006.
Red Cards Mar the Match
South Africa's hopes of getting back into the game were dented when midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was shown a straight red card early in the second half after taking down Brian Gutiérrez on the edge of the box when through on goal. After some brief frustration from the Azteca fans, veteran striker Raúl Jiménez made sure of the opening win for the co-hosts by heading into the net from close range midway through the second half. With his 46th international goal, and his first in three World Cups, Jiménez tied Jared Borgetti for second place on the Mexican national team's all-time scoring list. He is six goals shy of leader Javier "Chicharito" Hernández.
Youngest Debutant
Mexico also handed a World Cup debut to teenager Gilberto Mora in the second half. At 17 years, 240 days, he is the youngest man to play for Mexico in a World Cup and the sixth-youngest in tournament history.
Further Red Cards
South Africa's day took a further turn for the worse when Themba Zwane was sent off for striking Roberto Alvarado in the face following a VAR review. It was the first time any team had received two red cards in a World Cup match since the Netherlands and Portugal were shown two each in 2006. Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio wasn't finished yet, handing a third red card to Mexico's César Montes in stoppage time. With three red cards, this World Cup is already just one shy of equalling the four from four years ago in Qatar.
