Quinones: An Inspired Selection
Julian Quinones was such an inspired selection by Javier Aguirre. The Colombian-born Mexican, who won the Golden Boot for Al-Qadsiyah with 33 goals in the Roshn Saudi League, smoothly transferred his terrific goal-scoring form into the World Cup.
The Al Qadsiyah Star Draws First Blood For Mexico
The Mexicans were the clear favourites against the South Africans, and it took just 9 minutes for Quinones to put his composed right-footed strike into the Bafana Bafana net, after a terrible defensive lapse. The 80k-strong audience went into an exhilarating pandemonium. A few minutes later, he could have easily turned in a brace, but his effort hit the post.
South Africans Run Ragged
The South Africans just could not get going at all as the Mexicans held sway in the midfield. The frustration began to creep in. The play became more and more rugged resulting in a red card to Sithole in the 50th minute and then another one in the 84th minute.
Jimenez Seals It For The Co-hosts
Raul Jimenez then sealed the match with a perfect header from a Roberto Alvarado assist in the 67th minute to make it 2-0. It was indeed a perfect start to the campaign for Mexico. However, they could have scored more considering the fact that South Africa were one man short for almost half the match. There was a bit of a blemish in the end, too, as Cesar Montes was red-carded.
Korea vs Czechia: A Cagey Affair
The Republic of Korea vs Czechia match held at Gauadalajara Stadium was a cagey affair, with Czechia making it hard for the pacy, flamboyant Koreans to play their natural game.
Czechia With Aerial Superiority Score With A Krejci Header
It was like a slow slugfest, but intense to be fair. Czechia had aerial superiority without a doubt, which eventually led to the first goal in the 59th minute. An unmarked Ladislav Krejci headed powerfully into the Korean net from an incredible Vladimir Coufal throw-in.
The Koreans Fight Back with Two Goals of Their Own…
The Koreans, however, did not take long in equalising. Lee Kang-in was brilliant for Korea and held his team together. He set up Hwang Beom-in to tap home Korea’s first goal. The Koreans hit back again, with a brilliant piece of play and an assist from Hwang Beom-in, who set up Oh Hyun Gyu to score in the 80th minute.
… And Hold on to a Crucial Victory
The Gritty Asians held on for a very crucial victory after being down a goal. It goes to show how good the Koreans were in the field and also between the ears. Of course, they need to find more spaces on the pitch and need to tighten their defence too.
Day 1 unfolded with no Surprises
Day 1 of the historic FIFA World Cup ended with no surprises. Czechia are in a spot of bother, while for the Bafana Bafana, they have nothing to lose and should go all out for a win against Korea and Czechia.
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