Rachael Kaphaizi
The FIFA World Cup got underway on Thursday night with drama, goals and a flurry of red cards as host nation Mexico faced South Africa in the tournament’s opening match.
History was recorded with the red cards flashed on the opening match. In the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, only four red cards were shown in 64 games yet this year’s opening match produced three red cards.
Siphephelo Sithole got his red card for Bafana Bafana before Themba Zwane got his after he was introduced from the bench before Cesar Montes got his for the host.
The game started brightly but turned more physical in the second half, with numerous fouls committed by both sides.
South Africa’s tournament began in disappointing fashion as they fell behind following Mexico’s opening goal in the 9th minute. Their situation worsened when Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute, leaving them a man down for much of the second half.
Mexico took advantage of their numerical superiority and doubled their lead in the 67th minute to take control of the contest. South Africa’s troubles continued when Zwane was shown a red card in the 84th minute, reducing them to nine men.
Mexico were not spared either, as one of their players was dismissed in stoppage time (90+2 minutes), bringing the total number of red cards to three. Despite playing with 10 men against South Africa’s nine for part of the match, the hosts remained the stronger side. South Africa pushed for a response but failed to find the net as Mexico secured a 2-0 victory.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos told journalists that South Africa’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico was decided by two costly mistakes rather than a lack of defensive organisation.
Today’s action brought another twist in Group A as South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic. The Czechs took the lead in the 59th minute and appeared to be in control, but South Korea responded with an equaliser in the 67th minute. They then completed the comeback with a winning goal in the 80th minute.
Following the opening matches, Mexico sat at the top of Group A with three points and a goal difference of +2. South Korea are second, also on three points, while the Czech Republic are third. South Africa sits at the bottom.
