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The Guardian - UK

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Mexico and a history of playing in repeat World Cup opening fixtures

World Cup Mexico Everton Madrid Brazil Carlo Ancelotti Matthew Williams Pelé the World Cup Chelsea

Mexico and Brazil take part in one of the opening matches at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland. — Mexico and Brazil take part in one of the opening matches at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland. Photograph: Ullstein Bild/Getty Images

“The opening match of the year’s World Cup is Mexico v South Africa,” notes Matt Reilly. “This was also the first game of South Africa’s World Cup in 2010. Is this the first time that an opening match of a World Cup has featured the same two teams as a previous tournament? If not, what is the most common opening fixture of a World Cup?”

The hosts South Africa drew 1-1 with Mexico in the opening game of the 2010 edition. Siphiwe Tshabalala put them ahead with a spectacular goal before Rafael Márquez scored a 79th-minute equaliser. The two sides will meet again at the Azteca on Thursday.

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