This is hardly the kind of start one expects to a World Cup, considering what unfolded in the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

Three red cards in a single game! Does that point to a tournament that could turn unusually physical, much like the world around us today, where conflicts of one kind or another seem to be erupting everywhere?

Three reds raise concern

South Africa’s Yaya Sithole (50th minute) and Themba Zwane (84th minute) were both sent off before Mexico’s Cesar Montes received his marching orders deep into stoppage time as the hosts secured a 2-0 win before a packed crowd at Mexico City Stadium.

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The manner in which this World Cup has begun is significant. In Qatar four years ago, there were only four red cards across the entire tournament. The 2018 edition in Russia also produced just four dismissals. Against that backdrop, the events of the opener stand out. This is the biggest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams battling for the title. One can only wonder what lies ahead if the intensity seen on the opening night continues.

Could the unwanted record set in Germany in 2006 now be under threat? That edition witnessed 28 red cards before Italy beat France on penalties in the final in Berlin. It was, of course, the same match in which Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi during extra time, hurting France’s chances in no small measure. It remains one of the most infamous moments in international football history.

Debate about Zwane dismissal

Sithole’s dismissal was fully justified after he brought down Brian Gutierrez.

The second sending-off, however, was more contentious, with Zwane adjudged guilty of violent conduct against Roberto Alvarado following a VAR review. Like Sithole, Montes’ case was fairly straightforward as he hauled down Khuliso Mudau just outside the area when Mexico were cruising towards victory.

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South Africa coach Hugo Broos made no attempt to hide his frustration after the game. “The second (red card), we can discuss. It was the Mexican player who was blocking my player.

It’s the position of the referee, and we have to accept it also, but I don’t think (it was a red), it was too soft to give that as a red card. The first red card, you have to accept it. Their player was going alone to the goal, and Yaya fouled him, so that I can understand,” he said.

One can only hope that players seeing red does not become a recurring theme as the tournament progresses. Then again, such patterns do have a tendency to continue.