Mexico beat South Africa in World Cup opener amid 3 red cards - ESPN

Co-hosts Mexico got off to a victorious start, beating South Africa 2-0 as the largest World Cup in history kicked off Thursday at Mexico City's famed Estadio Azteca.

While a joyous occasion for Mexico, the match was marred by three red cards — two for South Africa and one for Mexico — the most in an opening World Cup contest.

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It was Mexico's eighth time playing in the opening match of a World Cup and their first win in an opener, having previously lost five and drawn two — including against then-host South Africa at the 2010 World Cup.

And it was a fitting way to mark the occasion as the Azteca, which got a much-needed face-lift ahead of the 48-team tournament that Mexico are co-hosting alongside the United States and Canada, became the first stadium to host three World Cups.

«It was an experience unlike any other,» defender Israel Reyes said. «I don't think I've ever had goose bumps like that. It was the pinnacle of something I had been hoping for and working toward in my career for years.

»It unfolded exactly as I had expected and envisioned — a dream come true for me."

The more than 80,000 fans, largely clad in Mexico green, did not have to wait long to celebrate the tournament's first goal. Julián Quiñones struck low through the legs of South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with less than nine minutes gone.

The goal for Quiñones, who was the top scorer in the Saudi league this season, was the earliest to start a World Cup since Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes in 2006.

«I'm happy and excited to have scored in this packed stadium and with the fans supporting us