Mexico kicked off the2026 World Cup in profitable trend, nevertheless it was the crimson playing cards, not the objectives, that outlined one of the vital chaotic opening matches within the event’s historical past.
Objectives from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez gave the co-hosts a 2-0 win at the Estadio Azteca, however the scoreline was not the headline coming away from the curtain-raiser.
Three straight crimson playing cards within the second half left the sport ending at ten versus 9, the primary World Cup opener in historical past to function three dismissals.
Quinones broke the impasse with the earliest aim to open a World Cup since Philipp Lahm’s strike for Germany in opposition to Costa Rica after six minutes in 2006.
Talking afterwards, he was delighted. “Many issues got here into my head like celebrating and screaming with pleasure,” he stated.
“I went to the bench to see my friends as a result of they’ve given me a lot confidence. I wished to really feel that pleasure with them.”
South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole was proven a straight crimson card early within the second half after pulling again Brian Gutierrez who was clear by means of on aim, successfully killing Bafana Bafana’s hopes of a comeback.
Raul Jimenez then made it 2-0, heading house from shut vary to spark extra Azteca celebrations.
Quinones paid tribute to his veteran strike associate. “We actually congratulated him as a result of he offers loads to the crew,” he stated.
“Being a part of a crew is our delight and it’s fantastic he continues so as to add objectives to his profession as a participant in our nationwide crew.”
Pink playing cards the headline
Then got here the controversy. Cesar Montes was proven a straight crimson card for denying an apparent goalscoring alternative after a slipshod full-body deal with on a South Africa ahead.
Montes will now miss the following group sport, and Quinones didn’t mince his phrases. “There have been some errors that have been very pricey,” he stated flatly. “Being despatched off is one thing you may keep away from.”
The South Africa supervisor was additionally clearly annoyed in his post-match evaluation. “The primary crimson card, I don’t assume we have now to say one thing about it,” he conceded, earlier than turning his fireplace on Montes’ dismissal.
“The second crimson card, I believe the Mexican participant blocked my participant, that occurs, the referee decides one thing else, so it’s a little bit a pity that we have now to complete this sport with 9 gamers.”
Broos additionally insisted his facet weren’t outclassed. “I believe my crew performed sport, some moments within the sport Mexico have been even determined, they didn’t know how you can discover the areas, so the whole lot was good.
“The one factor that have to be higher within the subsequent sport is when we have now the ball. That was not so good immediately so we have now to work on it.”
