By Jorge Hernandez
The victory of the Mexico team about South Africa left unforgettable images for the tricolor fans, but few as emotional as that of Raul Jimenez celebrating through tears his first goal in a World Cup.
The forward of the Wolverhampton He was in charge of scoring the second goal for the national team and, after sending the ball into the back of the net, he dedicated the score to his father, who died last March.
The scene so moved the fans present at the Mexico City Stadium as well as millions of spectators who followed Mexico’s debut in the World Cup 2026.
Raúl Jiménez ends a long wait for the World Cups
After several attempts throughout his international career, Raul Jimenez finally managed to debut as a scorer in a World Cup.
The attacker appeared in the 67th minute to connect a precise header that extended the team’s advantage. mexican team and led the way to victory in the opening match of the tournament.
The score represented the end of a personal drought in the World Cup and a moment of enormous significance for one of the most experienced players on the team led by Mexico.
A special dedication to his father
Beyond the sporting importance of the goal, the celebration of Raul Jimenez He caught all eyes.
After scoring, the striker raised his arms towards the sky in tribute to his father. Moments later, several of his companions ran to hug him and accompany him in a moment full of emotion.
The attacker’s tears reflected the personal meaning of a score that came months after a personal loss that deeply marked his life.
The Mexican team dominated from the beginning
The national team showed superiority from the first minutes of the match against South Africa.
The high pressure, the change of possession and the constant arrivals to the rival area allowed the mexican team will quickly take the alter of the party.
The first goal came thanks to Julian Quiñoneswho opened the scoring and unleashed euphoria in the Mexico City Stadiumbefore Raul Jimenez will widen the difference in the second half.
A closing with arbitration controversy
The match was also marked by several referee decisions that generated debate.
The intensity of the commitment caused multiple infractions and ended with expulsions for both teams. South Africa finished the match with nine players, while Mexico suffered the expulsion of Cesar Montes at minute 90.
Despite the incidents, the result allowed the mexican team begin your participation in the World Cup 2026 with three valuable points and with reinforced confidence in the face of the following commitments.
Keep reading:
– Mexico starts the 2026 World Cup on the right foot by beating South Africa
– Raúl Jiménez returns to Wolverhampton: The Mexican idol will seek promotion to the Premier League
– Son Heung-min does not believe that the 2026 World Cup will be his farewell
– Canelo Álvarez made a juicy bet to settle in Mexico for the start of the 2026 World Cup
