From near death to World Cup hero - Jimenez's tears for Mexico

From near death to World Cup hero - Jimenez's tears for MexicoTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, Three red cards shown as Mexico beat South Africa in World Cup openerByMichael EmonsBBC Sport journalistPublished2 minutes agoCommentsIt was a moment Raul Jimenez had waited his whole life for - and one that seemed impossible a few years ago.The Mexico striker could have died on the football pitch in November 2020 when a sickening head injury left him with a fractured skull.Now, less than six years later, the 35-year-old was overcome with emotion when he powered in a header to give Mexico a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the famous Azteca Stadium in the first match of the 2026 World Cup.Jimenez, who had connected with Roberto Alvarado's right-wing cross to score his country's second goal, leapt high, celebrated wildly and then pointed to the sky - seemingly in tribute to his father Raul Jimenez Vega, who died in March.As the majority of the 80,000 fans went wild, Mexico's players mobbed the Wolves striker, the achievement sunk in for Jimenez, who was then in tears."We really congratulated him because he gives a lot to the team," said Julian Quinones, who scored in the ninth minute for the opening goal of the competition to put Mexico ahead."Being part of a team is our pride and it's wonderful he continues to add goals to his career as a player in our national team."Three sent off as Mexico beat South Africa in World Cup openerThree red cards - are referees getting tough at this World Cup?Published51 minutes agoJimenez's goal was the 46th for his country in his 125 appearance, moving him joint second in Mexico's list of goalscorers, behind only Javier Hernandez on 52.Even when the game started, Jimenez was breaking new ground in his career.He had previously made six substitute appearances in World Cup finals - one in the 2014 tournament, two i...