Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday in a historic World Cup opening match that saw three red cards issued by referee Wilton Sampaio.
Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored for Mexico on either side of a 49th-minute red card given to South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole, who became the first player dismissed in a World Cup opener in 32 years.
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South African substitute Themba Zwane was also sent off in the 84th minute after a video assistant referee review by Nicolas Gallo exposed an off-the-ball violent conduct alteration with Mexico's Roberto Alvarado.
"The first red card, we have to accept it. The second we can discuss," said Hugo Broos, South Africa head coach.
Broos further disputed the second dismissal by noting that the Mexican opponent blocked his player and labeled the referee's decision as being a little bit soft.
Mexico captain Cesar Montes received the final red card during stoppage time for a professional foul on Khuliso Mudau, making this the first World Cup opening match in history to feature three ejections.
The physical match established a tournament record for opening day dismissals, surpassing the previous record of two red cards set during the 1990 opener between Cameroon and Argentina.
Despite the high number of ejections, the game registered only 23 total fouls, contrasting sharply with the 1986 World Cup match between Mexico and Paraguay which recorded 78 fouls.
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