A dramatic opening night at the Azteca Stadium saw three players dismissed as World Cup co-hosts Mexico overcame South Africa in front of a packed crowd in Mexico City.
South Africa ended the contest with nine men, while Mexico were reduced to 10 late on, as Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio reached repeatedly for his red card in an opening match unlike any other in World Cup history.
Never before had three players been sent off in a tournament curtain-raiser.
By comparison, only four red cards were shown across the entire 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Long before discipline became the central theme, the hosts ignited the tournament with the first goal of the finals after just nine minutes.
A challenge by Erik Lira halted Yaya Sithole, but the loose ball broke kindly for Julián Quiñones, whose fierce strike squeezed through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Quinones came close to doubling the advantage on the stroke of half-time, his instinctive effort from close range rebounding off the base of the post.
Mexico’s grip on the contest tightened early in the second half when Sithole was dismissed for hauling down Brian Gutierrez as he raced clear on goal.
From that moment, the balance tilted decisively towards the co-hosts.
Veteran striker Raul Jimenez, 35, provided the decisive moment midway through the half, powering a header home from Roberto Alvarado’s cross to score his first World Cup goal.
The emotion was unmistakable as the former Wolves forward appeared close to tears.
South Africa’s return to the finals for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010 ended in further frustration when substitute Themba Zwane was sent off for slapping Alvarado, leaving Bafana Bafana with just nine players.
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Mexico were not spared discipline entirely as defender Cesar Montes was dismissed late on for a foul on Khuliso Mudau, but the hosts comfortably protected their two-goal cushion to the final whistle.
The evening was also a milestone for 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora, who became the second youngest player ever to appear at a World Cup, behind only Brazil legend Pele, who achieved the feat in 1958.
This is Mexico’s third time hosting the World Cup, and as in 1970 and 1986, the Azteca staged the opening match.
The occasion began with a vibrant opening ceremony song 'Dai Dai' featuring Colombian singer Shakira and Nigerian star Burna Boy, setting a carnival tone that spilled into the stands.
Ranked 14th in the world, Mexico asserted control from the outset against opponents sitting 46 places lower.
Once South Africa conceded early and then lost Sithole, the outcome looked increasingly inevitable.
Jimenez, who suffered a life-threatening fractured skull injury in 2020, had already tested Williams with a sharp half-volley early on.
His headed goal, however, was the moment that truly defined the night, and confirmed Mexico’s perfect start to a home World Cup.
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