Raul Jimenez: This goal is for my father

Mexico striker Raul Jimenez couldn't hide his emotions after the final whistle of the match against South Africa (2-0). He scored the second goal of the win and dedicated it to his late father.

"When the ball went in, the first thing I did was look up to the stands of the Estadio Azteca. Out of habit, I looked for my father... and in that moment I realised he wasn't physically there to see me score at a World Cup at home. This goal is entirely for him. It was an incredibly emotional moment — I simply couldn't hold back my tears. I had been waiting for this goal through four World Cups, and to get it here, in front of our people, is a miracle," Jimenez began.

He also spoke about the serious injury that nearly ended his career. "If someone had told me a few years ago, when I suffered the skull fracture, that I would be leading Mexico's attack in the opening game of a home World Cup and score, I wouldn't have believed it. The doctors told me at the time that it was a miracle I was even alive. I never gave up, I kept working, and today is proof that faith and hard work pay off," Raul added.

Finally, he shared Mexico's ultimate goal at this World Cup. "This is just the first step of the three group stage matches. Our goal is to finish first in the group. We need to take it game by game, but I'm not afraid to say it: I can see how this team can go all the way and lift the world title in New York. We have the strength, we have the fans — now we just need to keep our heads cool," the veteran concluded.