“The opening match of the year’s World Cup is Mexico v South Africa,” notes Matt Reilly. “This was also the first game of South Africa’s World Cup in 2010. Is this the first time that an opening match of a World Cup has featured the same two teams as a previous tournament? If not, what is the most common opening fixture of a World Cup?”The hosts South Africa drew 1-1 with Mexico in the opening game of the 2010 edition. Siphiwe Tshabalala put them ahead with a spectacular goal before Rafael Márquez scored a 79th-minute equaliser. The two sides will meet again at the Azteca on Thursday.South Africa’s Siphiwe Tshabalala (centre) scores his side’s goal against Mexico. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PAA repeat opening fixture happened once before, and Mexico were again involved. Back in the day – way, way back – World Cups often kicked off with simultaneous games. In Italy in 1934, when the competition was a straight knockout, all 16 teams began at the same time: 4pm CET on 27 May.The last World Cup to include simultaneous curtain-raisers was in Chile in 1962. Such schedules increase the scope for a repeat fixture, and Brazil met Mexico three times in four tournaments between 1950 and 1962.In 1950, when the World Cup was held in Brazil, it was a standalone opening game; in both 1954 and 1962, it was one of four. Brazil won all three games; their 2-0 victory in 1962 included a legendary solo goal from Pelé.