The iconic Azteca looked magnificent, the opening ceremony was full of the usual pomp and ceremony, and the home crowd brought the atmosphere. We even got an early goal to really kickstart the tournament, thanks to a mixture of some poor defending from South Africa’s backline and Mexico’s fierce press that resulted in Julián Quiñones, this season’s top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, firing home.

But all that may be overshadowed by decisions from the officials that led to three red cards - two for the unfortunate Bafana Bafana, and one for the perhaps more unfortunate Mexican captain, César Montes. No World Cup game has featured three straight red cards since South Africa’s game against Denmark in 1998 and there were only four red cards dished out in the entirety of Qatar 2022.

Despite this being Raúl Jiménez’s fourth World Cup tournament with El Tri, yesterday’s tournament opener saw him make his first ever start. And he was rewarded with a trademark centre-forward’s goal, the header that wrapped up the victory.

For a player who’s been through so much since suffering a life-threatening skull fracture on the pitch six years ago, it was a poignant, full-circle moment for Jiménez. And all of that emotion came pouring out on the pitch.

The analysts called it. Pretty, technical football was expected from South Korea, while direct play and strength at set pieces was Czechia’s calling card.

No team scored more set piece goals in UEFA World Cup qualifying, the threat was right there in the pre-match report. And so it played out. Captain Ladislav Krejčí rose highest to nod home a long throw before a moment of magic from Feyenoord midfielder In-beom Hwang turned the game in Korea’s favour.

Hwang’s chop in side to beat two men and his finish over the top of the goalkeeper will make the end of tournament TV montage, just you wait.

Hwang then set up the winner, becoming the first Korean to score and assist in the same World Cup game since his current boss, Hong Myung-bo, did the same at USA ‘94.

✍️ On the whistle match report from the Estadio Akron

The two other host nations take to the field on Friday, as Canada host Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the US host Paraguay.

The time for talk is over. The debate around Mauricio Pochettino’s squad selection and his active job hunt must be forgotten. Now, the Argentine coach must produce the results he was appointed to get, and ensure that the USMNT do not disappoint on home soil.

He was given a late boost after Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards declared himself fit for the Paraguay match (perhaps unconvincingly) claiming, “I'm ready. I mean, it's the World Cup, so I'm going to make myself ready regardless.”

With the world watching, a good tournament showing is crucial to the development of US soccer and a win over Paraguay, who return to the finals for the first time since 2010, would be a great place to start.

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Canada have never won a World Cup match but under their American coach, they have been drilled in to a strong tactical unit that will relish the opportunity to change that this evening.

With their high press and star quality in attack (here’s looking at you Jonathan David), the Reds should pose a threat to opponents Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite the absence of captain Alphonso Davies through injury, Marsch is fully backing his team to deliver on the big stage:

“This group is the best representation of the country; they’re impeccable in their character, they’re impeccable in their work ethic and commitment to each other.”

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Upwards of 25,000 Bosnia supporters are expected for the match in Toronto. And for those looking to attend all three of their group games, it marks the start of an epic journey.

Based on distances between host cities, Bosnia have the furthest to travel of all 48 teams in the Group Stage, racking up 3155 miles (or 5060kms) as they ‘hop’ between Toronto, LA, and Seattle over the next two weeks.

Bosnia qualified the hard way, winning penalty shootouts against Wales, and then more famously, Italy, in the UEFA playoffs and both the squad and their supporters will be determined to enjoy their time in North America.