The opening match of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa was marked by a rare occurrence in international soccer: three players sent off with red cards.

No World Cup match has had that many players ejected since a 2006 game between Portugal and the Netherlands, when four players received red cards — a World Cup record.

The last World Cup in Qatar in 2022 had only four red cards in the entire tournament.

Red Cards Mar the Match

On Thursday at the Azteca Stadium, Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off for South Africa, while César Montes was shown a red card for the tournament co-host.

Sithole was red-carded after taking down Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez on the edge of the box at the start of the second half.

Things got worse for South Africa when Zwane was sent off following a video review for striking Roberto Alvarado in the face in the 84th minute.

Finally, in stoppage time, Montes saw red for bringing down Khuliso Mudau.

The red cards mean the three players will be suspended for at least one more match.

South Africa’s next match is against the Czech Republic, and Mexico next faces South Korea in Guadalajara.

Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.