India, June 12 -- Just less than six years ago, Raul Jimenez was lying unconscious during the Wolves-Arsenal game in the Premier League after a head collision. There were fears he might die. He didn't die, but he for sure took months to recover from that dreadful injury.

So, when he scored Mexico's second goal against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on Thursday night, he had really come a long way from that day in 2020. The 35-year-old met a cross from Roberto Alvarado to head the ball in. He celebrated and then pointed to the sky. His father passed away earlier this year. It must have been him in his mind when the footballer made those moving gestures.

It was his 46th goal for Mexico in 125 games. He is only six goals be...