Winners and losers from Mexico’s 2-0 World Cup win over South Africa

Mexico finally won a World Cup opener, snapping a run of seven previous opening matches without victory — five defeats and two draws, including one against South Africa in 2010. A ninth-minute goal from Julián Quiñones and a second-half header from Raúl Jiménez produced a 2-0 result at Estadio Azteca, but the game ended on a sour note when César Montes received a needless red card in stoppage time, ruling him out of the next match against South Korea in Guadalajara.

The crowd at the Azteca set the tone, singing the anthem and keeping pressure on Bafana Bafana throughout. Mexico controlled long stretches but slowed after the early goal, opting for safety rather than piling on; chances from Brian Gutiérrez and Quiñones went begging before halftime and the hosts left some room for concern despite the win.

Roberto Alvarado stood out for his clarity in the final third, delivering the assist for Jiménez’s goal, linking well with Gutiérrez and helping out defensively on the right.

Mexico, Guadalajara

mexico, south africa, world cup, estadio azteca, julián quiñones, raúl jiménez, césar montes, roberto alvarado, brian gutiérrez, red card