Mexico coach Javier Aguirre made a bold selection call for Thursday’s World Cup opener against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, leaving out captain Edson Alvarez and veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Mexico’s Lineup

Raul Rangel will start in goal, with Aguirre opting against a sixth World Cup appearance for Ochoa. Captain Alvarez was named among the substitutes, with Erik Lira selected in central midfield alongside Alvaro Fidalgo and Brian Gutierrez. Raul Jimenez leads the attack, supported by Julian Quinones and Roberto Alvarado.

South Africa captain Ronwen Williams starts in goal as coach Hugo Broos named a side largely drawn from domestic champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Lyle Foster leads the South African attack.

The Group A match opens the expanded 48-team World Cup at the Estadio Azteca.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.