Mexico got their joint-home World Cup off to the perfect start with a 2-0 opening match win over nine-man South Africa – in a game that had THREE red cards.
It was, however, a World Cup debut to forget for South Africa midfielder Yaya Sithole at a raucous Azteca Stadium, who was at fault for Mexico’s first as he gave away possession for Julian Quinones to strike home after nine minutes.
Then the midfielder was given a straight red card in the second half as he brought down Bryan Gutierrez through on goal, with referee Wilton Sampaio taking no time in giving him his marching orders.
In truth, Mexico should have been out of sight even before the red card. Raul Jimenez was denied twice by South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, while Quinones struck the post in a dominant first half for Mexico, as Bafana Bafana barely threatened.
But with the nerves entering the Azteca, Jimenez put them to bed as he headed home Roberto Alvarado’s cross at the back post for his first World Cup goal. Given everything he has been through with his serious head injury in 2020, there was no surprise to see tears in his eyes.
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