Do three red cards in World Cup opening match set dangerous precedent?

However, much of the fallout has not focused on Mexico's performance, instead, the three cards shown by referee Wilton Sampaio has dominated the conversation. 

South Africa's Yaya Sithole and Thema Zwane were given their marching orders, along with Mexico's Cesar Montes, and already, this tournament has equaled the number of red cards given at the last World Cup in Qatar four years ago. 

But were the right decisions made, and could it become an unwanted pattern over the next month?

Was the decision to give three cards correct? 

It is a very rare occurrence to see three players sent off in one match, but while there was shock amongst those watching, the decisions were correct. 

South Africa's Sithole was the first player to be sent off four minutes into the second half after bringing down Mexico attacker Brian Gutierrez who was through on goal. It was clear Sithole had denied a goalscoring opportunity. 

Nearly 40 minutes later, Themba Zwane was shown a red in slightly more controversial fashion after a clash with Roberto Alvarado off the ball saw the latter go to ground holding his head. 

No foul was initially given, but after the referee reviewed the incident on a pitchside monitor as advised by VAR, gave Zwane a red card for violent conduct. 

It looked accidental with Zwane not clenching his fist, and instead his open hand hitting Alvarado, meaning it was not a clear and obvious error, meaning VAR was not fulfilling it's purpose. 

"The way we play, you look at it, is that violent conduct?" Roy Keane said on ITV when analysing the incident. "In today’s game, it is."

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The third and final red card for Cesar Montes was as a result of a lack in concentration from the Mexican after a rash tackle on Khuliso Mudau in added time. 

There was some outcry due to the stage of the match, but Montes only had himself to blame. 

Former England international Gary Neville criticised Montes for his actions and also did not disagree with the three cards shown during the game. 

"I was shocked, before the red card, I said it was more of a red card than a little slap around the face because it was really cynical," Neville said. 

"It was lazy defending, he didn’t want to go back into his own box and give a penalty away, so he hacks him down outside the box.

"I can’t disagree with any of the reds, but it did not feel like a game which had three reds in it."

Will referees continue to be tough on fouls at World Cup? 

Was this match between Mexico and South Africa an anomaly, or is it an insight into what to expect from referees at this year's tournament?

Ahead of the World Cup, FIFA's head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, is focusing on timewasting and general player behaviour, not being tougher on red cards. 

However, with Sampaio's actions, it will likely have an effect on other referees, both on the pitch and in the VAR room when it comes to making the correct decisions on fouls. 

Over the next few days, it will be interesting to see whether a precedent has been set. With 48 teams competing, this World Cup is a melting pot of different footballing styles where what constitutes serious foul play is interpreted differently from country to country. 

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Continuing his analysis on ITV, Neville believes it may be a crazy week or so when it comes to refereeing fouls before it settles down and there is clarification on these types of incidents. 

"We always see it, maybe the first week, something catches on as a pattern," Neville responded when asked whether Sampaio's red cards were something to worry about.

"I think we will see it calm down, because what’s not acceptable is seeing three red cards in a game like that."

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