It's over - an easy victory for one of the three hosts, Mexico, against South Africa (2:0) at the "Azteca" stadium in the opening of the 23rd World Cup.
Quinones in the 9th minute and Raul Jimenez in the 67th minute scored in a match that the Mexicans finished with ten players and their rivals with nine.
All three red cards were shown in the second half.
The third red card at the opening of the World Cup and a new World Cup record - after two South Africans, Mexican Cesar Montes, a defender for Lokomotiv Moscow, also received a red card.
The second red card for South Africa at the World Cup opener - experienced, 36-year-old Temba Zwane was sent off for punching an opponent in the face with his open fist.
It was missed by referee Sampaio, not the VAR room.
A header and tears in Raul Jimenez's eyes - Mexico leads 2-0 against South Africa.
The Fulham striker was brilliantly crossed by Chivas Guadalajara midfielder Roberto Alvarado in the 68th minute.
Japan captain and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo (33) withdrew from the World Cup due to injury, definitively ending his international career.
Endo has struggled to recover from foot surgery in February and has not made a single appearance for Liverpool this season.
He was replaced on the "blue samurai" roster by Šuto Mačino.
It's a non-working day in Mexico City, and the match is being watched from every corner of this megalopolis.
South African Jaja Sitole, a defender for Portuguese Tondela, brought down Mexican Jimenez from behind, who was going for goal alone - the first match and the first red card at the 23rd World Cup.
Halftime at the "Azteca" stadium - a great start by Mexico, then a weak rhythm, and then another surge and a great chance (on the goalpost).
The "Sombreros" lead 1-0 against South Africa after the first 45 minutes in the opening match of the 23rd World Cup.
Legendary Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa, who is sitting on the bench, is one of eight registered players at the 23rd World Cup who are 40 years old or older.
Quinjones' goal in the 42nd minute - Mexico could have scored a second goal.
Photo gallery of the World Cup opening ceremony.
Nine minutes into the World Cup, enough for the first goal.
Mexico took the lead against South Africa with a goal from Saudi Arabia striker Kacija Julian Quinones.
The first big chance at the 23rd World Cup - Mexican Raul Jimenez fired a shot from about 15 meters, with great saves from South African goalkeeper Williams.
Shakira performed at the grand opening ceremony.
It's on!
Five minutes late, Brazilian referee Sampaio gave the signal for the start of the Mexico - South Korea match, officially opening the 23rd World Cup.
The opening of the World Cup divided Mexico City.
The South Africans attracted attention immediately upon arrival at the Azteca Stadium.
And they had their own show:
The World Cup opening ceremony has begun.
The following compositions have arrived:
Mexico (4-1-4-1): Ranhel - Galjardo, Vasquez, Montes, Rejes - Lira - Kinjones, Fidalgo, Gutijeres, Alvarado - Himenes.
South Africa (5-3-2): Williams - Mudau, Okon, Sibisi, Embokazi, Modiba - Mokoena, Sitole, Adams - Foster, Rajner.
Edin Džeko spoke to the FIFA YouTube channel ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina's match against Canada tomorrow (21pm).
The captain of the "Dragons" recalled the play-off with Italy and stressed that he hopes that qualifying for the World Cup has at least somewhat united the people of BiH.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
