MEXICO CITY (AP) — Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez propelled Mexico to a spirited start in the World Cup on Thursday, each scoring a goal in a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament's opening match.
In front of a packed crowd of 80,824 at the legendary Azteca Stadium, co-host Mexico kicked off the largest World Cup in history with goals in both halves. The match also saw three red cards, two for South Africa and one for Mexico.
Quiñones, the top scorer in the Saudi league this season, put Mexico ahead in the ninth minute. Jiménez doubled the lead with a header in the 66th minute.
South Africa players Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane received red cards, leaving their team to finish with nine players. Mexico defender César Montes was also sent off in injury time.
Jiménez's goal, his 46th for the national team and his first in three World Cups, tied him with Jared Borgetti for second place on Mexico's all-time scoring list. He trails leader Javier "Chicharito" Hernández by six goals.
Quiñones, a 29-year-old forward born in Colombia, was one of six debutants in the World Cup starting lineup for El Tri.
Mexico, who exited in the first round of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, now have three points in Group A. They will face South Korea next Thursday in Guadalajara.
South Africa will play the Czech Republic on the same day in Atlanta.
This year's World Cup features 48 teams, the most ever, and is hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
