South Africa lose World Cup opener 2–0 to Mexico

Opening defeat in Mexico City

South Africa fell 2–0 to Mexico in the World Cup opener at the Azteca. A tough night for Bafana Bafana, facing a fired-up host nation in front of 87,000. Aguirre's closed-door preparations couldn't deliver a result on the night that mattered most. The reverse of the 2010 opener, 16 years on, went Mexico's way this time. (1) (2)

Fox escapes punishment over advertising breach

Fifa will not sanction Fox after the broadcaster broke advertising rules during the broadcast of South Africa's opener against Mexico. The breach occurred during the same match Bafana fans were watching. Fifa confirmed no penalty will be imposed. (1)

Fan reactions

The mood is flat but not panicked. Plenty of fans are pointing to the 2010 parallel, different result, same stage, and refusing to write the team off after one game against a host. Some frustration with the closed training approach is bubbling up, but most are keeping the faith for the next group match. Join the discussion on r/soccer