Raul Jimenez's powerful header in the 67th minute gave Mexico a 2-0 victory over South Africa at Azteca Stadium, delivering an emotional moment nearly six years after his life-threatening head injury. The 35-year-old striker, who fractured his skull in a collision with David Luiz in November 2020, celebrated wildly before pointing to the sky in tribute to his late father.

Jimenez's goal was his 46th for Mexico in 125 appearances, moving him joint-second on the nation's scoring list behind Javier Hernandez. Julian Quinones opened scoring in the ninth minute, while South Africa's Ronwen Williams denied Jimenez with a superb save in the fourth minute. This marked Jimenez's first World Cup start after six previous substitute appearances across three tournaments.

The striker completed a return to Wolves earlier this week after spells at Fulham and previously on loan. He scored 68 Premier League goals in 233 appearances, wearing a protective headband since his recovery. Former Wolves assistant Edu Rubio praised Jimenez's resilience, calling him a 'fighter' who never acted like a star despite his talent.

Gary Neville called it 'likely the greatest moment of his life from a football perspective,' recognizing the magnitude of scoring in front of 80,000 fans at home. Jimenez's journey from potential tragedy to World Cup hero represents one of football's most remarkable comebacks.