FIFA World Cup: Mexico boss Javier Aguirre demands more after opening win over South Africa

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said his side had shaken off the nerves that came with opening the FIFA World Cup on home soil after a 2-0 win over nine-man South Africa in Group A at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, but stressed that Mexico would need to raise their level in the matches ahead.

In Short

• Aguirre said World Cup nerves showed in misplaced passes and player cramps
• Mexico end seven-match win less streak in World Cup openers
• South Africa finished with nine men after two red cards in the second half

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was pleased to see his side begin their FIFA World Cup campaign with a win, but said there was still plenty to work on after a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the Group A opener at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday.

Goals from Julin Quiones and Ral Jimnez handed the co-hosts all three points in front of a packed home crowd, but Aguirre felt the margin of victory did not reflect Mexico's superiority on the night.

"It was a 2-0 game. It could have been 4-0 and nobody would have said otherwise," Aguirre told reporters. "The fans are happy with the 2-0, but they would have been much happier with 4-0. The important thing is that we have the three points."

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The occasion of opening the World Cup at the Azteca appeared to weigh on some of Mexico's players. Aguirre said the magnitude of the moment led to nerves, which showed in misplaced passes and even physical fatigue.

"It's a brutal setting, it makes your legs shake a bit," Aguirre said. "Making mistakes on easy passes weighed heavily on them. Never in 25 games have we had players suffer from cramps and here we had three. It's an emotional issue."

Mexico dominated possession and territory for long periods but were unable to turn that control into a bigger lead. Quiones opened the scoring after capitalising on a defensive mistake, while Jimnez headed home Mexico's second in the 67th minute from a cross by Roberto Alvarado.

Jimnez's goal carried added emotion as the striker broke down in tears during his celebration, dedicating the moment to his father, who recently passed away.

South Africa's task became even harder after midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was sent off early in the second half for a challenge on Brian Gutierrez. The visitors were reduced to nine men when Themba Zwane was dismissed for violent conduct in the closing stages.

Even with the numerical advantage, Aguirre felt Mexico made life more difficult for themselves than necessary.

"We didn't play well in the first half. It could have ended 3-0 easily," he said. "We were superior, but the score did not reflect that. We complicated things for ourselves. After the second goal we got overconfident. We need to improve, but it was a good game."

The victory ended Mexico's seven-match wait for a World Cup opening-game win, but Aguirre's attention quickly turned to the next challenge against South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18.

"Right now, the match against Korea is the most important thing," Aguirre said. "We're focused on Korea, on being better than them, step by step."

Mexico are also expected to reshuffle their defence after Csar Montes received a red card. Aguirre indicated captain Edson lvarez is likely to move into central defence for the next match.

Mexico will round off their Group A campaign against the Czech Republic on June 24.

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