Mexico manager says side overcame cramps and nerves to secure World Cup win

Mexico had never won their opening match at a World Cup in seven attempts, with five defeats and two draws in their previous appearances at the tournament.

But Aguirre’s team were always in command against a weak South African side at the Estadio Azteca and claimed three points that puts them firmly on track for the knockout rounds from Group C.

Aguirre, however, revealed his players had had to overcome some first game jitters to get the result.

"When you’re starting out the World Cup, of course your legs will shake," Aguirre said. "Never in 25 years had anyone had any cramps but three of them had cramps today.

"We were in awe when we saw the stadium and they got a little bit of stage fright. But we never suffered. We could have scored four and it would have been completely different.”

The closing minutes of Thursday’s match saw some sections of the restless home crowd booing the World Cup co-hosts.

Aguirre said while he had not heard the catcalls, the spectators were entitled to express themselves.

"I didn't hear boos. But it could have been a 4-0 game. 2-0, is not so much. But we got three points, which is amazing," Aguirre said.

"If someone is booing, it's the Mexico players' obligation to make sure that doesn’t happen again. But it didn’t have an impact on us."

Mexico now look ahead to matches against South Korea and the Czech Republic but Aguirre dismissed any suggestion that his team were aiming to finish top of Group A.

"We're zero obsessed to win the group," he said. "Today we're just focused on Korea. It’s not relevant. It’s not our priority. Our priority is to focus on Korea, to keep going step by step and prepare for the future."

South Africa coach Hugo Broos, meanwhile, had no complaint about the red card that saw Sphephelo Sithole sent off after half time, but took issue with the dismissal of substitute Themba Zwane late in the game.

"The first red card, I don't think we have to say something about it but the second red card I think the Mexican player blocked my player, the referee decides something else," he said. "So it is a pity that we have to finish this game with nine players.

"I think my team played a good game, some moments in the game Mexico even desperate, they didn't know how to find the spaces. But we must try and be better in the next game when we have the ball."