Three red cards in World Cup opening game - why were South Africa and Mexico players sent off? | OneFootball

A record-breaking number of red cards put a controversial spin on the opening game

The World Cup kicked off in remarkable fashion on Thursday night as co-hosts Mexico cruised to victory over South Africa in a game overshadowed by three red cards.

Julian Quinones gave Mexico an early lead inside nine minutes, drilling home from inside the area after a mix-up in the Bafana Bafana defence. Raul Jimenez put the game beyond doubt in the second half, scoring his first ever finals goal on his final start in the tournament.

But it was the three red cards, two of which were shown to South Africa players. It was the seventh time there have been three or more red cards in a World Cup game, and the first time in an opener.

The first dismissal came when Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole was shown a straight red card after bringing down Brian Gutiérrez on the edge of the penalty area. Referee Wilton Sampaio ruled that Sithole had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity, a decision that drew little debate.

Sphephelo Sithole is sent off

Getty

The second red card, however, sparked significant controversy.

In the 84th minute, Themba Zwane became involved in a tussle with Roberto Alvarado as Mexico attacked down the left flank. Zwane appeared to swing his left arm into Alvarado’s face, sending the Mexican midfielder to the ground clutching his head. Following a review prompted by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Sampaio consulted the pitchside monitor before dismissing Zwane for violent conduct.

Themba Zwane is sent off

AFP via Getty Images

The decision divided opinion. ITV pundit Gary Neville said: "He's just tried to leverage himself. It's not a slap. If you give a yellow, then you'd say there that's fine." Commentator Ally McCoist added that the decision was “extremely harsh”.

The drama was not over. Deep into stoppage time, Mexico were reduced to 10 men when defender Cesar Montes was sent off for bringing down Khuliso Mudau about five yards out of the penalty area. Although the challenge appeared cynical, the dismissal was also debated. VAR expert Christina Unkel explained that there was insufficient evidence to overturn the referee’s original assessment as Montes would be deemed as denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Cesar Montes is sent off

REUTERS

Neville was far more critical of the decision, adding: "I was shocked ... it's with force, but is he denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity? It's right on the edge, but it's difficult to score from there."

Sithole, Zwane and Montes will all be suspended for their countries’ next group game.