Mexico End Opening-Match Curse with Win in World Cup Opener

Darwin, 12 June : Mexico finally broke their long-standing curse in FIFA World Cup opening matches, defeating South Africa 2-0 at the Azteca Stadium to kick off the tournament in style.

Before this match, Mexico had failed to win any of their previous seven World Cup opening games. This time, however, the hosts rewrote history in front of their home crowd.

Forward Julián Quiñones gave Mexico an early lead in the 9th minute. The home side continued to dominate and missed three more scoring chances before halftime. In the 67th minute, Raúl Jiménez doubled Mexico’s advantage to secure a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The match turned into a highly physical contest rather than a display of attacking football. Mexico controlled 60 percent of possession, while South Africa had 40 percent and struggled to create clear opportunities.

A total of three red cards were shown in the match — a record for a World Cup opening game.

South African midfielder Sphephelo Sithole received the tournament’s first red card in the 50th minute after fouling a Mexican player near the edge of the penalty area, reducing his team to 10 men shortly after halftime.

South Africa’s problems worsened in the 84th minute when midfielder Themba Zwane was sent off for another foul during a Mexican attack. Mexico also finished the game with 10 men after César Montes received a red card in stoppage time.

The victory gives Mexico a dream start to their World Cup campaign while ending years of disappointment in opening fixtures.