Co-hosts Mexico got the World Cup party started with a dominant 2-0 win over South Africa on Thursday in an encounter with three red cards. The match, played at the Azteca stadium, saw Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez score for Mexico, while Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane of South Africa were sent off alongside Mexico's Cesar Montes.
The game's opening goal came after just 10 minutes, with Quinones drilling a low finish beneath South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after being fed by Erik Lira. It was Mexico's first World Cup goal in nearly five years, and it set the tone for a dominant display.
Raul Jimenez scored his first World Cup goal midway through the second half with a powerful downward header past Williams from a devilish cross by Roberto Alvarado. The home crowd was left to celebrate an opening victory that will set them up nicely to make it out of a group that also includes South Korea and the Czech Republic.
The match was marred by three red cards, with South Africa's Sithole and Zwane sent off in the second half, and Mexico's Cesar Montes dismissed in the dying moments. The ill-tempered encounter spoiled an otherwise party atmosphere.