Javier Aguirre's team needed less than five minutes to create the first chance of the match in the electrifying atmosphere of the Mexico City Stadium. Israel Reyes crossed the ball from the right wing, and Raul Jiménez unleashed a powerful shot, forcing South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to make an excellent save, pushing the ball just wide of the post.
But a few minutes later, Erik Lira stole the ball from Sphephelo Sithole, and Quinones fired a shot through Williams' legs from inside the penalty area.
Had it not been for the talent of goalkeeper Williams and a bit of luck, the South African team would have been more than one goal down in the first half. Their captain made an excellent save from Jiménez's header and the post denied Quinones a goal.
South Africa's task became more difficult right at the start of the second half when they played with ten men due to a red card. Jiménez, surging forward to face the goal, was fouled by Sithole just outside the penalty area, and Sithole was sent off.
Mexican fans, including boxing superstar Canelo Álvarez, erupted when 17-year-old Gilberto Mora was brought on, and after just 60 seconds, they were celebrating the second goal.
Quinones combined with Jiménez with a one-touch pass before passing to Roberto Alvarado, who then delivered a dangerous cross for striker Jiménez to head in the second goal.
The match ended with two more red cards, given to South Africa's substitute Themba Zwane and Mexico's central defender Cesar Montes. Hosts Mexico had a perfect start to their World Cup opening day on home soil.
“I am very happy and excited to score my first World Cup goal, in a fantastic atmosphere in a fantastic stadium. I have to acknowledge what my teammates did to secure our first three points. We have felt the support of the fans in the past few days. The spirit of unity and today that was clearly shown on the pitch,” Julian Quinones, Mexico's striker, shared after the match.
Meanwhile, South Africa's goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stated: "If you make a mistake, they will punish you. I think the most important thing is that we now know what we are up against, because it's been so long since we've been in a World Cup. We were behind, but they didn't give us many chances. The team will continue to fight and not give up."
Source: https://baophapluat.vn/chu-nha-mexico-thang-tran.html
