Mexico began their joint-host World Cup campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, but the night will be remembered as much for the scoreline as for the three red cards that turned the match into a fiery, stop-start affair.
In front of a roaring home crowd, Mexico struck early and then capitalized on South Africa’s disciplinary collapse to secure three points in the tournament opener. Julian Quinones broke the deadlock after nine minutes, and Raul Jimenez sealed the win late with an emotional header that marked his first ever World Cup goal.
The match quickly spiraled for Bafana Bafana after a nightmare debut for midfielder Yaya Sithole. The newcomer lost possession high up the pitch in the ninth minute, allowing Quinones to pounce and fire Mexico ahead. The early blow set the tone for a dominant first half from the hosts, who created chance after chance while South Africa struggled to settle.
Mexico should have been out of sight long before halftime. Raul Jimenez was twice denied by South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who produced sharp saves to keep his side within reach. Quinones also rattled the woodwork as the hosts pressed relentlessly. For long stretches, Bafana Bafana barely threatened and looked overwhelmed by the noise and pressure inside the Azteca.
The second half began with more frustration for South Africa when Sithole’s difficult debut turned catastrophic. After bringing down Bryan Gutierrez as the Mexico winger broke through on goal, Sithole received a straight red card from Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio. The decision was immediate, leaving South Africa down to 10 men with much of the match still to play.
Even then, Mexico’s nerves were evident until Jimenez finally put the game to rest. The striker met Roberto Alvarado’s cross at the back post and powered a header home in the closing stages. It was Jimenez’s first goal at a World Cup, and given his recovery from a serious head injury in 2020, the emotion was clear as tears welled in his eyes after he scored.
The match also had some controversy. VAR intervened when South Africa substitute Thembo Zwane was spotted swiping at Alvarado’s face during an aerial duel. Sampaio reviewed the incident and showed Zwane a red card, reducing Bafana Bafana to nine men in what became the first major VAR talking point of the tournament.
The drama wasn’t over. Mexico defender Cesar Montes was then dismissed for bringing down Khalisu Madau on the edge of the penalty area as South Africa tried to launch a rare counterattack. Even with Madau still far from goal, Sampaio ruled the foul denied a promising attack and sent Montes off, a decision that stood after a VAR check. Mexico finished the match with 10 men, joining South Africa in playing the closing minutes a player down.
Despite the numerical balance late on, Mexico were already in control. The two-goal cushion and home advantage allowed them to manage the game out, starting their World Cup with a win and three points in front of their fans.
For Jimenez, the goal carried extra weight. His comeback from a fractured skull suffered in 2020 has been one of football’s most inspiring stories, and scoring at a World Cup he once feared he might miss was a cathartic moment. The striker’s header not only settled the match but gave Mexico a lift as they chase progress from the group stage on home soil.
South Africa, meanwhile, will rue a debut marred by errors and ill-discipline. Sithole’s turnover and red card changed the game, and Zwane’s dismissal compounded their problems. With nine men for much of the second half, Bafana Bafana were never able to test Mexico seriously and now face an uphill task to stay alive in the group.
