+ Group A: Mexico–South Africa, Thursday, 9:00 PM
Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico
TV4/P4 Radio Sport
+ Mythical arena
The Azteca Stadium opened in 1966 and has been the site of several historic World Cup matches, including the 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England when Diego Maradona scored two classic goals. Ahead of this year's World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada, the stadium has been renovated. The work has been marred by several controversies, including a court case over the ownership of certain stands. Several English media outlets are reporting ahead of the World Cup opener that thousands of people are threatening to boycott the stadium's opening, which holds 83,000 spectators. On Tuesday, teachers protested outside the stadium, demanding higher salaries and protesting a pension law.
+ Breakthrough for “Mexico's Pedri”?
When the BBC lists 20 young players outside English and Scottish league football to watch this summer, midfielder Gilberto Mora is second on the list. The 17-year-old, who lives in Tijuana, is compared to Spain and Barcelona's midfield ace Pedri and bears epithets such as "The Mexican Pearl", "The Little Maestro" and "Crackito" (in Spanish).
+ Group A: South Korea–Czech Republic, Friday, 4:00 a.m.
Guadalajara Stadium, Zapopan, Mexico
TV4/P4 Radio Sport
+ The veteran's last World Cup?
Son Heung-Min is making his fourth World Cup appearance, and many believe it will be the 33-year-old former Tottenham star's last. When South Korea reached the last 16 in Qatar four years ago, Son remained goalless throughout the tournament. One of Asia's greatest ever footballers left the Premier League in England for MLS in the United States last year. This season, Son shares the lead in MLS assists, with nine assists in 12 games for Los Angeles FC.
