Mexico City - The Mexican national team opened the 2026 World Cup with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of Group A at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, early Friday morning WIB.
This match, as reported by Antara, was fierce and was marked by three direct red cards issued by the Brazilian referee, Wilton Sampaio. Two for South African players and one for Mexican players.
Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored to give El Tri their first three points.
This result puts Mexico at the top of Group A with three points, while South Korea and the Czech Republic will only face each other on Friday at 09.00 WIB.
Mexico immediately took the initiative of the attack from the start of the match. The home team's advantage was created in the 9th minute through Julian Quinones who took advantage of the South African backline's mistake.
The goal started from the success of Erik Lira in grabbing the ball in the opponent's defense area. The ball then fell into the feet of Quinones who immediately fired a horizontal shot. The ball slid past the feet of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and nestled in the goal.
The goal was recorded as the fastest goal in the opening match of the World Cup since Philipp Lahm scored for Germany in the sixth minute against Costa Rica in the 2006 edition.
South Africa struggled to get out of the pressure throughout the first half. Mexico's dominance allowed them to maintain a 1-0 lead until halftime.
Entering the second half, the situation became more difficult for South Africa. In the 49th minute, Sphephelo Sithole was given a direct red card after breaking Brian Gutierrez who was in a position to score a goal.
The decision meant that South Africa had to play with 10 men. Although Raul Jimenez's free kick after the incident still hit the crossbar, Mexico eventually managed to double the lead to 2-0 in the 67th minute. Jimenez scored through a precise header after receiving a cross from the right side.
South Africa lost another player in the 83rd minute. Themba Zwane received a direct red card after a VAR review showed him hitting Roberto Alvarado in the face while trying to get away from control.
Playing with nine players, South Africa found it increasingly difficult to catch up. However, the red card drama was not over.
At the time of the injury, Mexican defender Cesar Montes was also sent off for what was considered to be Khuliso Mudau's golden opportunity.
Despite having to play with 10 men in the final minutes, Mexico was able to maintain the lead until the final whistle and closed the match with a 2-0 victory.
Starting XI Mexico (4-1-4-1): Raul Rangel; Israel Reyes, Cesar Montes, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo; Erik Lira; Roberto Alvarado, Brian Gutierrez, Alvaro Fidalgo, Julian Quinones; Raul Jimenez.
South Africa (5-3-2): Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Jauden Adams; Lyle Foster, Iqraam Rayners.
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