Co-hosts Mexico national football team began their World Cup campaign with a 2–0 victory over South Africa national football team in a heated Group match at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
The encounter produced a dramatic and chaotic contest, featuring three red cards and multiple disciplinary flashpoints that disrupted the flow of the game.
Mexico made a fast start when Julian Quiñones opened the scoring in the 9th minute, finishing clinically after being set up by Erik Lira to send the home fans into early celebration.
The match grew increasingly physical, with both sides picking up bookings before halftime as tempers flared on the pitch.
South Africa’s task became more difficult early in the second half when Siphephelo Sithole was shown a straight red card in the 49th minute for a last-man foul, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
Mexico took full advantage of the numerical superiority and doubled their lead in the 67th minute through Raúl Jiménez, who calmly finished to strengthen the hosts’ grip on the game.
The situation worsened for South Africa in the 84th minute when Themba Zwane was sent off for violent conduct, leaving Bafana Bafana with nine men.
Despite their dominance, Mexico also ended the match with 10 players after César Montes was shown a late red card in stoppage time.
In a chaotic but controlled finish, Mexico managed the closing stages effectively to secure all three points in their opening World Cup fixture.