'Mexico's Kim Min-jae' Sent Off... Possibility of Group Top Spot Emerges

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In the official opening match held before our national team's game, host nation Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0. However, Mexico faces a variable as their key defender, Montes, was sent off and will be unable to play in the second match against our national team.

Pyeon Gwanghyeon reports from Mexico City.

[Reporter]

After Korean-American singer-songwriter Lee Jae, who became a global star with the theme song for the movie 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' performed the tournament's theme song featuring Korean lyrics,

[Even if I fall again, I will rise again]

The North and Central American World Cup began amidst the cheers of 80,000 spectators.

Mexico seized the momentum just 9 minutes into the first half.

Quinones, a former top scorer in the Saudi League, became the scorer of the tournament's "first goal" with a mid-range shot that passed through the goalkeeper's legs.

Jimenez, who sealed the victory with a header in the 23rd minute of the second half, shed tears of emotion.

As Mexico's 2-0 victory was confirmed, not only the Azteca Stadium but all of Mexico turned into a massive festival.

[Ruben/Mexico Football Fan: Hello. I am so happy right now. Mexico will even win the World Cup.]

[Andrea/Mexico Football Fan: I think football is the only thing that can give such overwhelming emotion to Mexicans.]

However, Mexico also encountered a setback.

In second-half stoppage time, with the match already decided, starting central defender Montes received a red card for a reckless tackle.

With Montes, who possesses both a 195cm frame and speed and acts as the core of the defense like our national team's Kim Min-jae, unable to play in the second match against South Korea, the defensive wall our strikers must break through is expected to weaken slightly.

[Aguirre/Mexico National Football Team Head Coach: Montes' tackle was an action that didn't need to happen, but regardless, it is part of football.]

Having made a pleasant start with their home fans, Mexico plans to move to Guadalajara two days before their second match against us.

(Reported by Hwang In-seok | Video by Ha Seong-won)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.