"Azteca" witnessed a brilliant Mexico start, red cards turned the match into history

The host nation Mexico eased past South Africa 2-0 in the opening World Cup match, played at the legendary Azteca stadium. Goals from Julian Quiñones (9') and Raul Jimenez (67') secured a well-deserved win for "El Tri" in front of over 80,000 fans, who packed the stadium well before the 1:00 PM local kickoff. The match will however be remembered for its three straight red cards — two for the Africans, Sepelo Sitole (50') and Themba Zwane (84'), and one for Mexico's Cesar Montes (90+2').

The game was part of Group A, which also includes South Korea and Czech Republic.