The opening match of the World Cup kicked off with a dramatic moment when Sphephelo Sithole lost possession just nine minutes in, allowing Julián Quiñones to strike the ball through Ronwen Williams’s legs. This incident raised questions about the host nation’s aggression, but ultimately, it marked a moment when the spirit of football took center stage, overshadowing any concerns.
Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, including Donald Trump’s disputes with Iran and immigration controversies, the focus shifted to the tournament itself. Unique in modern times, Gianni Infantino chose to oversee this World Cup without a local organizing committee, contributing to the disarray at the Azteca stadium, characterized by chaotic traffic, poor signage, and a lack of connectivity. However, the Mexican fans remained unfazed.
Even with three red cards issued during the game, Mexico secured a straightforward victory. While South Africa struggled to impress, they can now look ahead to the knockout stages. Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, reflected, “We were superior but the score did not reflect that,”
“Things got a little complicated but we relaxed and we did start with a win. Can we make it better? Of course.” proclaimed the voiceover during the opening ceremony, though this sentiment did not extend to everyone, particularly those unable to afford exorbitant ticket prices. The football community today seems increasingly exclusive and affluent.
At the 1986 World Cup, the stadium’s loudspeakers created a distinctive spider-like shadow over the center circle, a hallmark of that tournament. A similar shadow loomed this time, cast by a massive FIFA sign that ominously hovered above the pitch. During the match, it was repositioned high in one stand, watching over the proceedings like a corporate version of Sauron’s Eye.
Regardless of the various challenges faced leading up to the match, including geopolitical worries, the beauty of the stadium and its historical significance was undeniable. The Azteca has been modernized, yet it still evokes memories of legendary moments, like Pelé’s iconic pass to Carlos Alberto, Manuel Negrete’s spectacular bicycle kick, and Diego Maradona’s unforgettable dribble against England.
The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with color and sound. Outside the stadium, mariachi bands played, while fans donned dog and pig masks, wrestling masks, and a jazz sextet in matching lilac outfits entertained the crowd. The streets surrounding the Azteca were bustling with excitement from early morning, as fans flocked in a sea of green, with the line for beer at a nearby 7-Eleven stretching long into the chaos of traffic.
As the Mexican team took the field for warm-ups, they were met with thunderous cheers. The initial skepticism about the buildup melted away, replaced by sheer enthusiasm as the countdown began, culminating in a flurry of cardboard sombreros. Aguirre noted, “When we looked at the stadium, it was incredible,” Shortly after, another wave of sombreros flew into the air as Quiñones, last season’s top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, scored the opening goal for the hosts.
Sithole’s misfortunes continued just four minutes into the second half when he received a red card for fouling Brian Gutiérrez. Although Quiñones had hit the post before halftime, the impatient home crowd had been booing until Raúl Jiménez arrived unmarked to head home a cross from Roberto Alvarado.
South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, claimed his team “We got a little bit of stage fright.” and pointed out that Mexico sometimes struggled to exploit spaces. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that Mexico operated “didn’t know how to find the spaces” As South Africa’s hope waned, substitute Themba Zwane was sent off late in the game for striking Alvarado in the face.
This match equaled the three red cards issued throughout the entirety of the Qatar World Cup, with César Montes receiving a rather harsh expulsion for a last-man foul on Khuliso Mudau.
“There were some mistakes that were very costly,” stated Quiñones. “Being sent off is something you can avoid.”
While Mexico may feel they could have achieved a more decisive victory, they have secured a win to start the tournament. However, the broader issues surrounding the event remain unresolved.
