MEXICO CITY, Mexico (AFP) — Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a drama-filled opening match of the World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday, kicking off the biggest-ever edition of the global footballing showpiece.

Julian Quinones scored the opening goal of the tournament after nine minutes and 35-year-old striker Raul Jimenez headed in Mexico’s second goal at the venue, which became the first stadium in the world to host games at three World Cups.

Three players were sent off — two from South Africa and one from Mexico — in front of a capacity crowd of 80,000 spectators.