Key facts
- Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in its World Cup opening match.
- Raúl Jiménez scored the second goal of the match.
- This marks Mexico's first-ever victory in a World Cup opening match.
- The photograph captures Jiménez's celebration and the South African goalkeeper's disappointment.
Mexico achieved a historic 2-0 victory over South Africa in its opening match of the World Cup, with Raúl Jiménez scoring the decisive second-half goal. This win marks a significant moment for the nation, as it is their first-ever victory in a World Cup opening fixture.
Photographer Natacha Pisarenko captured the emotional intensity of the moment, with Jiménez's ecstatic celebration contrasted against the seated disappointment of the South African goalkeeper in the background. Pisarenko utilized a 70-200mm lens, anticipating the play to avoid difficult lens changes in the crowded stadium environment.
The match held particular significance for Mexico, which has hosted more World Cup opening matches than any other country but had never won one prior to this fixture.