'What better place than home to break the curse' - Mexico fans react after victory in World Cup opener

OPENING ROAR: Mexico's Raul Jimenez celebrates scoring their second goal in the opening World Cup victory over nine-man South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Pic: Pawel Kopczynski, Reuters

Mexicans celebrated their win against South Africa on Thursday, with an 80,000-full Azteca stadium ​erupting in a deafening roar as Mexico won the first ‌match of the World Cup, overcoming a curse in which the national team had failed to win on the opening day of the tournament on seven previous ​occasions.

"It broke the curse, and what better place to do ​it than at home," said Arturo Lopez, 32, inside the ⁠Azteca. "It's the dream of all kids who like soccer to be ​able to attend one time in our lifetime."

Mexico won 2-0 against South ​Africa in a physical contest that had three red cards. An early goal by Julian Quinones in the ninth minute settled any initial nerves and got the ​crowd on its feet, creating an electric atmosphere in one of ​the most iconic stadiums in the world.

"The crowd - all the people - it energized the ‌team," ⁠said Beth Navaez, who also attended the World Cup in Russia and Qatar. She said it was even "more exciting" to see them play in Mexico.

Still, she was not optimistic about the team's tournament prospects. "We always ​have hope but ​they always ⁠disappoint," she added.

Across town, at Mexico City's fan zone in the central Zocalo square, fans danced and sang ​even as it began to rain. The fan zone, ​which in ⁠the days running up to the match had been barricaded and surrounded by a camp of protesting teachers, filled to its 50,000 capacity to ⁠watch ​Mexico play.

"I'm content, I'm happy, I'm 100% ​Mexican," said Marta Gonzalez, 42, as she left the Zocalo with her daughter and son.

— Reuters