Mexico ignited their World Cup party with a dominant 2-0 victory over nine-man South Africa on Thursday as the biggest-ever edition of the global footballing showpiece kicked off at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Julián Quiñones scored the opening goal of the tournament and veteran striker Raúl Jiménez added a second as the co-hosts' bid for qualification from Group A got off to a smooth start.
South Africa never looked like spoiling the opening day fiesta, and finished with only nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off.
The Mexican-coloured red, green and white smoke from pre-game fireworks had barely dissipated before Quiñones fired the hosts into the lead on nine minutes, drilling a low shot through the legs of South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams.
A deafening roar cascaded down from the stands of the Azteca – the footballing cathedral that became the only stadium to host games at three different World Cups.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos had warned his players to be ready for the intimidating atmosphere created by a capacity 80,824 crowd at the imposing concrete arena.
But South Africa’s players looked to have a bad case of stage fright as Mexico's fans greeted each completed pass with a raucous chorus of "Ole!" in the opening minutes.
Sithole seemed particularly affected, being caught in possession trying to play out of the back for Quinones' opening goal.
Sithole's miserable afternoon ended with a 49th minute dismissal after bundling over Mexico’s Brian Gutiérrez when clean through on goal.
Mexico rammed home their advantage in the 67th minute, with a fine counter attack culminating in Roberto Alvarado crossing for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jiménez to nod home at the far post for his first World Cup goal.
It got worse for South Africa in the 84th minute when Zwane was dismissed after a VAR review for flinging an arm into the face of Alvarado.
There was still time for late drama when Mexican defender César Montes was shown a red card for a clumsy challenge on Khulisa Mudau on the edge of the penalty area.
Police, protesters clash outside stadium
Dozens of protesters clashed with police outside the Estadio Azteca prior to kick off.
Groups of teachers, relatives of Mexicans who have gone missing, and student activists gathered early Thursday outside the stadium amid a heavy police presence.
Some protesters breached barriers and exchanged blows with officers guarding the stadium's perimeter, moments after Mexico scored the tournament's first goal.
A handful of youths smashed vehicle windows with bats as police fired tear gas and dispatched mounted officers to corral the protesters, who scattered on foot.
Mexico's government has faced weeks of protests, mainly by teachers demanding better working conditions.
For a time it appeared the protests might prevent the city from staging an official World Cup fan zone in its famed Zócalo.
But thousands of fans poured into the plaza on Thursday, shoving and jostling their way through metal barriers, creating chaotic scenes shortly before kick-off in the opening game.
– TIMES/AFP
