Mexico started the World Cup with a 2-0 win against South Africa

While FIFA President Gianni Infantino When Mexico’s acting star Salma Hayek presented the World Cup trophy, the players in the locker room were already in the starting blocks.

Im Aztec Stadium became one for the third time after 1970 and 1986 Football World Cup opened, the Selección played its first game of a World Cup for the eighth time – that is also a world record. As in 2010 in Johannesburg, it was again against South Africa. But in contrast to the 1-1 draw 16 years ago, Mexico was a class stronger this Thursday. What happened to Raul’s first chance? Jimenez (4.) had already been hinted at, but it came through five minutes later Quinones Reality: The Saudi Arabia legionnaire thanked the South Africans for a 1-0 win (9th) after the South Africans lost the ball on the edge of the penalty area. It became the third fastest goal in World Cup history.

And the 29-year-old Quinones also had the second goal on his feet: after perfect combination play, he only hit the bar (42nd). The game of the team coach of Hugo Broos wasn’t fashionable in the second half either. Above all, playing out of defense didn’t look worthy of the World Cup. And the Mexicans wanted to take advantage of that. Alone: ​​They missed their chances too carelessly. South Africa’s goalkeeper brought in again Williams With a bad play, his team is in trouble Nobleman couldn’t put the ball in the goal (46′).

The constant pressure from the Mexicans made things clearer. Gutierrez got a perfect hole pass from Reyes and was by Yaya Sithole placed – although just before the edge of the penalty area, the referee still had to Sampaio sending off the South African (50th).

Mexico coach Aguirre brought the 17-year-old super talent Gilberto Mora from Tijuana. Alvarado got the taste of it on the right side, Jimenez used his perfect cross to make it 2-0 (68th). And South Africa continued to weaken: after an attack by the substitute Called VAR intervened and Sampaio had to show the red card for the second time. In the end I had to Montes with red from the field. There have never been three exclusions in an opening game. The hosts secured a secure victory, but missed the chance of a runaway victory against this opponent.