MEXICO CITY (AP) — Raul Jimenez finally had his star moment for Mexico at the World Cup.
The 35-year-old striker broke down in tears after the match. Scored El Tri’s second goal Mexico opener against South Africa 2026 world cup and 2-0 victory.
It was Jimenez’s first World Cup goal after suffering a skull fracture while playing in Wolverhampton on November 29, 2020, which required him to undergo life-saving surgery.
Within two weeks, Jimenez was back in training. Although he made a full recovery several months later, his injuries forced him to wear protective headgear for the rest of his career.
Jimenez has since suffered other injuries and declines in form, including a poor showing at the 2022 World Cup. He failed to score as Mexico failed to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time since 1978.
His biggest moment for Mexico may have been his bicycle kick in the 2014 World Cup qualifying victory over Panama. This goal was awarded as CONCACAF’s Goal of the Year. He was a substitute for El Tri during that tournament in Brazil.
“I read an interview where he said this has to be the World Cup,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said. “I think he’s off to a great start. He’s always been in the shadow of others, but today he’s a starter on this team. And he’s really earned it.”
Jimenez lost his biggest supporter when his father, Raul Jimenez Vega, passed away in March at the age of 62. Jimenez cried after Fulham’s goal Match against Burnley on March 21st.
“In addition to that, he was dealing with a personal situation and that may have given him extra motivation,” Aguirre said. “And he also scored a goal. It was a perfect day for him.”
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
