Today, the opening match of the World Cup is being played between Mexico and South Africa. At midnight between 16 and 17 June, Norway will face Iraq. The summer has been saved.

The United States, Mexico and Canada are hosting the World Cup. The opening match is being played at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, 2,200 metres above sea level. Document.news is also covering the World Cup, thanks to Henry Galeano, who lives in Florida, USA.

Why should Norway be ashamed of its heritage?

The opening match did not appear particularly exciting in advance. In front of around 90,000 predominantly Mexican spectators, South Africa ought to have been manageable opposition for the home side. But almost anything can happen in tournaments like these, so watching the match was obligatory for those of us who love football.

It was at the Azteca that Diego Maradona shocked the world with two goals in the quarter-final against England at the 1986 World Cup. One of the goals involved a clear and deliberate use of the hand, which Maradona called the “Hand of God”. The other came after Maradona danced through the entire English defence from midfield in what many regard as the greatest goal in World Cup history.

It was also at the Azteca that Maradona scored both goals in the semi-final against Belgium. A few days later, he received the World Cup trophy at the same stadium after the 3–2 victory over West Germany in the World Cup final on 29 June.

In 1970, it was Pelé who lifted the trophy after a final in which Brazil defeated Italy 4–1. Brazil’s great hero delivered both a goal and two assists from another of the greatest players of all time (perhaps the greatest?). It was Pelé’s third and final World Cup triumph.

So now the World Cup begins, but first we must of course endure an opening ceremony. I glance at the clock and count the seconds. Fewer than 600 seconds remain until kick-off. Fortunately, the opening ceremony was short and free of woke idiocy, so full credit to the organisers.

At last, kick-off

Mexico press from the start and create a good opportunity after around four minutes when Raúl Jiménez receives an excellent cross and strikes the ball well from around the penalty spot. But goalkeeper Ronwen Williams makes a comfortable save.

Mexico score in the 9th minute! Poor defending is exploited by an attacking Mexican side, and Julián Quiñones becomes the first goalscorer of the World Cup. Questionable goalkeeping by Williams, as the ball passes between his legs from 16–17 metres.

South Africa begin the match terribly and allow Mexico to dominate completely. After 20 minutes, however, the players seem to awaken from their slumber, producing decent attacking play and a few half-chances.

The pace settles somewhat until Jiménez gets a good opportunity after 41 minutes. Shortly afterwards, Quiñones strikes the post. Mexico should have doubled their lead here.

The single goal remains the difference when the referee blows for half-time.

Second half

It takes only a few seconds for South Africa to make another mess of things. Goalkeeper Williams passes the ball straight to Fidalgo outside the box, but the latter fails to take advantage of the opportunity.

Then Sithole receives a red card after around 49 minutes. Things now look bleak for South Africa.

After 63 minutes comes the well-deserved goal as Jiménez guides an excellent cross into the net with his head. 2–0 to Mexico, game over, I think.

After 83 minutes, South Africa manage to collect yet another red card through veteran Swane. Unforgivable and idiotic from Swane, who had been brought on after around an hour to provide some creativity. Well, perhaps a red card was not what the coaches had in mind?

A little later, Mexico’s Montes receives the third red card of the match. It seems somewhat harsh, but he brought down an opponent who was about to break clean through, so the dismissal was not outrageous.

The match ends 2–0. Mexico can breathe a sigh of relief, while the South African team can hang their heads in shame in the dressing room.