World Cup guide: Opening at
Photo: Eduardo Verdugo/AP/TT

World Cup guide: Opening at Azteca Stadium after criticism

For the first time in 40 years, the World Cup will be held at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. But the opening match between host nation Mexico and South Africa is being met with protests. South Korea will also face the Czech Republic. Here's what you need to know about the first two matches of the World Cup.

+ Group A: Mexico–South Africa, tonight, 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, hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, the stadium has been renovated. The work has been marred by several controversies, including a court case over 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 of 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 midfielder Pedri and is nicknamed "The Mexican Pearl" and "The Little Maestro" - "Crackito" in Spanish.

+ Group A: South Korea–Czech Republic, tonight, 4:00 a.m.

Guadalajara Stadium, Zapopan, Mexico

TV4

+ 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 England's Premier League for MLS in the United States last year. This season, Son shares the MLS lead in assists, with nine assists in 12 games for Los Angeles FC.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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