Jimenez and Julian Quinones in World Cup Opener: The world’s biggest football tournament kicked off at the famous Estadio Azteca. Mexico launched their World Cup campaign in style by defeating a South African side reduced to nine men, winning 2-0. In Thursday’s match, Julian Quinones scored the tournament’s opening goal, and veteran striker Raul Jimenez added a second, paving the way for co-hosts Mexico toward qualification from Group A.
Meanwhile, the South African team saw their opening-day celebrations spoiled; they were left with only nine players on the pitch after Siphelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off (red cards) during the match.
Julian Quinones Gave the Hosts the Lead in the Ninth Minute
The red, green, and white smoke from the pre-match fireworks had barely cleared when Julian Quinones gave the hosts the lead in the ninth minute. He fired a powerful low shot between the legs of South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain, Ronwen Williams.
A deafening roar echoed from the stands of the Azteca Stadium, a temple of football that has become the only venue to host matches across three different World Cups.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos had warned his players to prepare for the intimidating atmosphere of this massive concrete stadium, packed with 80,824 spectators. However, the South African players appeared rattled, as Mexico fans loudly chanted “Olé!” with every successful pass during the opening minutes.
Sithole seemed most affected; he lost possession while trying to clear the ball from the defense just as Quiñones scored the opening goal. It was a disastrous afternoon for Sithole, who was sent off in the 49th minute after bringing down Mexico’s Bryan Gutiérrez as he advanced towards the goal.
Mexico extended their lead in the 67th minute; during a brilliant counter-attack, Roberto Alvarado delivered a cross that Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jiménez headed into the net.
Things went from bad to worse for South Africa in the 84th minute when Zwane was sent off following a VAR review for striking Alvarado in the face. There was late drama as well, with Mexico defender Cesar Montes shown a red card for a foul on Khuliso Mudau near the penalty area.
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