Mexico City [Mexico], June 13: World Cup co-hosts Mexico got off to the perfect start with goals from Julian Quinones and Raúl Jimenez sealing a 2-0 win over nine-man South Africa in the tournament opener on Thursday.
Yaya Sithole's mistake - from a risky pass by keeper Ronwen Williams - allowed Erik Lira to square for Quinones, who sent fans wild. The ninth-minute goal was the earliest at a men's World Cup since 2006.
A woeful day for South Africa and Sithole was made worse by a red card for a professional foul early in the second half.
A well-timed header from veteran forward Jimenez on 67 secured a deserved victory and South Africa's Themba Zwane was then dismissed after video review for slapping Roberto Alvarado.
The one black mark for Mexico was a red card for Cesar Montes for a last-man tackle.
A glitzy opening ceremony including Colombian pop star Shakira and Mexican actress Salma Hayek preceded the match at the fabled Azteca Stadium, which became the first arena to host three men's World Cups.
The game was not quite as glamorous as the entertainment before it, but Mexico and over 80,000 fans inside will not care. Predicted storms amid the heat also did not materialize.
The biggest World Cup to date, with 48 rather than 32 teams, is being co-hosted by three nations for the first time. The United States is the major partner and Canada has two venues, but Mexico was given the honour of the opening game given its rich footballing heritage.
After a build-up dominated by negative headlines over Iranian access to the US and the US blocking the entry of a Somalian referee, Mexico were keen for the football to do the talking and totally dominated.
Later on Thursday (Friday 5am in Qatar), South Korea were to meet Czech Republic in Group A match in Guadalajara.
Fan suffers heart attack
An non-Mexican fan suffered a heart attack just outside the Azteca Stadium shortly before the World Cup opener in Mexico City on Thursday between Mexico and South Africa.
The man was taken to hospital and police say his condition is stable.
Authorities in the Mexican capital initially gave no details on his nationality in a statement on X, but he is not Mexican.
The heat is expected to be a widespread problem for players and fans at the longest ever World Cup, which is being held by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Mexico City is also at altitude.
Source: Qatar Tribune
