Mexico launched their FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday, as the tournament's largest-ever edition got underway.
Goals from Julian Quiñones and veteran striker Raul Jimenez secured a comfortable win for the co-hosts in their opening Group A fixture, while South Africa endured a difficult evening that saw them finish the match with just nine players.
The hosts wasted little time in asserting their dominance. With the atmosphere inside the 80,824-capacity stadium reaching fever pitch, Quiñones netted the tournament's first goal in the ninth minute. The forward capitalised on a defensive error before firing a low shot through the legs of South African captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The early strike sent the home crowd into celebration, with deafening cheers echoing around the historic venue, which became the first stadium to host matches at three different World Cups.
South Africa struggled to cope with both the occasion and the relentless support for Mexico. Every completed pass by the hosts was met with chants of "Ole!" from the stands as Mexico controlled possession and dictated the pace of the game.
Bafana Bafana's troubles deepened shortly after halftime when midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was shown a straight red card in the 49th minute for bringing down Brian Gutierrez as the Mexican attacker raced through on goal.
Mexico took full advantage of their numerical superiority in the 67th minute. A swift counterattack ended with Roberto Alvarado delivering a precise cross for Jimenez, who headed home at the far post to double the lead.
South Africa's evening went from bad to worse six minutes from time when Themba Zwane was sent off following a VAR review. The referee deemed the midfielder had struck Alvarado in the face during an off-the-ball incident, reducing the visitors to nine men.
There was a late twist when Mexico defender Cesar Montes was also dismissed after a reckless challenge on Khuliso Mudau near the edge of the penalty area, but the red card came too late to affect the outcome.
The victory gives Mexico an ideal start to their Group A campaign, while South Africa face an uphill battle in their quest to advance to the knockout stages.