Mexico secure against South Africa in World Cup opener

(Patria) - Mexico opened the World Cup with a victory, defeating South Africa 2-0 in a match that saw one goal in each half.

The home team took the lead in the 9th minute after a major defensive error by South Africa, with Quinones scoring. By the end of the first half, Mexico was more incisive, with Jimenez coming closest to scoring in the 42nd minute, his header saved by Williams, while a minute later Quinones hit the post.

The key moment of the match came at the start of the second half when Sithole received a straight red card for a foul as the last defender. Mexico capitalized on the numerical advantage in the 67th minute, with Jimenez scoring to make it 2-0.

In the closing stages, another red card was shown to South Africa (Zwane in the 84th minute after a VAR intervention), while in stoppage time, Mexico's Montes was also sent off.

In the next round, Mexico plays against South Korea on June 19, while South Africa will seek points against the Czech Republic on June 18.