The report says Quiñones struck inside nine minutes after a defensive error, finishing from inside the area. That early advantage allowed Mexico to dictate the contest rather than chase it.
Jiménez then reportedly added a second in the second half, marking his first goal at a World Cup finals. The timing mattered: Mexico’s lead became a buffer as the match grew increasingly fractured by stoppages and disciplinary decisions.
The two goals provided the clearest measure of Mexico’s attacking efficiency. They converted a fast start and sustained pressure into a scoreline that left South Africa needing to take greater risks.
South Africa reportedly lost Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole after he denied Brian Gutierrez a clear goalscoring opportunity near the penalty area. That dismissal shifted the balance and gave Mexico more space to control possession.
The second South African dismissal, involving Themba Zwane in the 84th minute, was more contentious. A VAR review preceded the red card for violent conduct, ensuring the closing stages remained dominated by debate rather than attacking momentum.
Mexico were not immune to the disruption. The report says César Montes was dismissed in stoppage time for denying a clear chance, leaving the co-hosts to finish with 10 men.
Mexico’s ability to protect a two-goal lead through a chaotic finish is the strongest positive from the night. The three-red-card count, reportedly a first for an opening World Cup match, also makes the result difficult to assess purely as an attacking performance.
The next group-stage fixture will reveal whether Mexico can maintain that control in a calmer match, while South Africa must respond without allowing disciplinary pressure to overshadow its football.