"This cup gonna be way too awesome": Ronaldinho attends Mexico-SA FIFA WC opener
Mexico City, June 12
Legendary Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho was in attendance for the FIFA World Cup 2026 opener between Mexico and South Africa, expressing happiness at reuniting with his friends and legends of the game at Estadio Azteca, adding that it is always a joy to be there in Mexico.
History was made as Mexico broke their winless run in World Cup openers in a 2-0 win against South Africa, where three red cards were given. It was fouls, cards, arguements and intense physicality galore at the iconic Azteca, as every touch of the ball by Mexico was cheered, while the opposition was rained with boos.
Posting on X, Ronaldinho, a 2002 FIFA World Cup winner, said that "this cup is gonna be way too awesome".
"What a joy to return to Mexico for the opening of yet another @FIFAWorldCup!!!! So happy to see all my friends and sports legends again... Surreal energy and a beautiful party from the fans!!!! Everyone knows the affection I have for this country and it's always a huge joy to be here... Let's go, this cup is gonna be way too awesome #fwc26," posted the football legend.
The match saw three red cards being shown, two to South Africa and one to Mexico, with fierce tackles, arguments with the referee and plenty of body contact. The three red cards are most in a World Cup opener, as per ESPN. For the first time since the 2006 edition in Germany, a team got two red cards in a WC match, with the last instance being two red cards shown to Portugal and the Netherlands 20 years back during a match.
This is Mexico's 22nd successive win across all competitions against African teams, with their last loss dating back to the same opposition back in the 2005 Gold Cup. This was the 20th WC match at the iconic Azteca, more than any stadium in the tournament's history. Mexico continues their undefeated run at the venue.
However, after a seven-match winless streak in the WC openers (five losses and two draws), it is the first time Mexico have started the World Cup with a full set of points to their name.
In the ninth minute, the goal from Julian Quinones emerged as the second-earliest WC goal since Philipp Lahm's goal for Germany at the 2006 tournament vs Costa Rica (six minutes), as per Sky Sports.
Later on, the second goal was scored by Raul Jimenez, who levelled Jared Borgetti as Mexico's second-highest goal-scorer, six shy of Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez (52 goals), as per ESPN.
Mexico's Gilberto Mora was also brought to the pitch as a substitute in the second half. At 17 years and 240 days, he is the youngest player to represent the Mexican flag at the marquee tournament and overall sixth-youngest in tourmament history, as per ESPN. In the ongoing tournament, he is the youngest player of them all.
Mexico's second match is against South Korea on June 19.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a football fan from India, I feel that the way Mexico dominated with that physicality is something we can learn from. Also, the fact that they haven't lost to an African team in 22 matches straight is mind-blowing. South Africa had no answer, but what a fight from them in the first half before the red cards.
Twenty-two wins in a row against African teams is a staggering record. But I think the real story here is the young lad Gilberto Mora. Seventeen years at the World Cup! That's incredible. India needs to take note - get our youngsters onto the big stage early.
Honestly, the refereeing was questionable. Three red cards in a World Cup opener? That kills the flow of the game. But credit to Mexico for staying disciplined and taking their chances. Ronaldinho's vibe is pure nostalgia though - brings back memories of 2002 when we were all watching Brazil! 🏆
The Azteca is a fortress indeed. But I'm a bit disappointed with the lack of flowing football - it was too scrappy. However, Raul Jimenez scoring and equaling Borgetti's record is a feel-good story. Class player, great comeback from his injury. South Korea better watch out next! 🇰🇷
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