The World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa descended into chaos as three players were sent off, including South Africa's Themba Zwane who slapped an opponent. The match at the Estadio Azteca saw South Africa finish with nine men after a series of incidents.
Zwane's Red Card
Themba Zwane was sent off for slapping Mexico's Alvarado after a frustrated attempt to play a one-two on the edge of the box. Referee Wilton Sampaio reviewed the footage on the VAR monitor and showed Zwane a red card with ten minutes remaining.
South Africa's Downfall
South Africa already trailed 2-0 and had been reduced to ten men when Yaya Sithole was dismissed for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The team, managed by Hugo Broos, had entered the match with high hopes after beating Mexico in the 2010 World Cup opener.
Third Red Card
In the 90th minute, Mexico's Cesar Montes was also sent off for a desperate lunge on Mudau, who was in a goal-scoring position. Montes was the last man, and VAR quickly confirmed the decision.
Historical Context
This is the first time a World Cup match has featured three red cards since the infamous Battle of Nuremberg in 2006, which saw four red cards, still a tournament record.
Fans reacted with shock and humor. One joked, "Crazy parallels between South Africa and United under Amorim. Anyone that can defend this type of nonsense cannot be saved." Another said, "Wow, South Africa down to nine men already? Total chaos..."
