Mexico leads South Africa in first match of the FIFA World Cup

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Mexico makes its advantage count as Raúl Jiménez peels away from two South African defenders to nod in a Roberto Alvarado cross. That's a very well taken goal.

Mexico is now firmly in control and South Africa might have to concentrate on avoiding conceding any more goals for the rest of this match.

We're now in a hydration break.

The afternoon just got a whole lot more difficult for South Africa. Mexico's Brian Gutiérrez was through on goal but was clipped and sent tumbling by South African defender Sphephelo S'Miso Sithole, who gets a straight red card and is sent off.

The only good news for South Africa is that the foul occurred just outside the box, so no penalty was given — and Mexico's attempt to score from the free kick came to nothing. But they now have to play out 40 minutes with one man less.

South Africa gets things going again — and very nearly concedes a second goal from the get-go. Williams' slack pass out from his goal is intercepted by Álvaro Fidalgo, who races into the South African box but ultimately has his shot blocked. 

Dan Burritt

Meanwhile, here at the FIFA Fan Zone at Hastings Park in Vancouver, it's been clear skies, sunny and warm, but some clouds are moving in now. 

The grass here is a sea of Aztec green as Mexico supporters cheer on their team against South Africa.

Susanna Garcia and Edwin Ruiz are enjoying shade, snacks and the score line as Mexico leads 1-0.

I'm at the FIFA Fan Fest in Toronto, where officials have just announced the event has been cancelled due to severe weather. 

People are now funneling out. Fans I've spoken with say they're incredibly disappointed, with some saying today was going to be their World Cup experience and they travelled to Toronto specifically for the fan fest. 

Environment Canada says there's a risk of thunderstorms early this evening for Toronto.

A spokesperson for the city said the event was evacuated "out of an abundance of caution" due to a risk of lightning. The festival won't reopen today, the spokesperson said in an email.

The World Cup kickoff in Mexico City is so far unfolding without any major disturbance. 

While protests continue on the streets of the city in areas close to the Estadio Azteca, they have been kept at bay by authorities who have created a security cordon around the facility. 

The city's official fan zone is packed with Mexican soccer fans who exploded with joy when Mexico scored its first goal against South Africa. 

It was unclear this morning whether the fan zone would even open — until Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced during a morning news conference that the show would go on. 

Sheinbaum is expected to make an appearance today at the fan zone, which is set up in Mexico City’s historic core. 

It's been a good half for the Mexicans, though they probably feel they should have added another goal to Quiñones's early strike.

The stats show Mexico's dominance, with 57 per cent possession and 10 shots on goal compared to South Africa's two.

But with only one goal on the board, the South Africans will feel they can still get back into this.

South Africa is hanging on at the end of the first half. Williams makes amends for conceding the first goal, with the South African goalkeeper leaping at full stretch to keep out a flick by Mexico's Raúl Jiménez.

Just seconds later, Quiñones almost claims his second goal for Mexico. His shot beats Williams but comes back off the post.

It's the first hydration break of the tournament. A three-minute break has been worked into the middle of each half of every game at this World Cup, so players can take on liquids during what are expected to be some hot, hot days on the pitch.

It's 24 C in Mexico City today, with humidity at around 50 per cent.

As expected, Mexico has had the better of this match so far, and took its goalscoring chance well. South Africa was succeeding at soaking up early pressure up to that point, including a crucial save within five minutes from Williams. The goalkeeper will be disappointed he let Quiñones's shot slip through his legs.

Possession is pretty even so far — 54 per cent Mexico to South Africa's 46 per cent — but the South Africans have yet to get a good glimpse of goal.

Wilton Sampaio, the head referee for this match, is wearing a camera attached to his headset, providing us a view from basically where his temple is.

We always expect high TV production values in the World Cup, but seeing a replay featuring Sampaio’s view of Mexico’s opening goal was something else.  

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