Mora Becomes Mexico's Youngest Men's World Cup Player Aged 17

MEXICO CITY, June 12 (NNN-dpa) -- Teenager Gilberto Mora became Mexico's youngest player in men's World Cup history after coming on as a substitute in the co-hosts' opening 2-0 win against South Africa on Thursday.

The attacking midfielder was brought on in the 66th minute at the age of 17 years and 240 days.

More than 80,000 fans inside Mexico City's Azteca celebrated the teenager with chants of "Mora, Mora." Immediately afterwards, Mexico increased their lead.

Mora was already part of the Mexico team that won the Gold Cup when he was 16. His appearance in the World Cup opener was his ninth overall for his country.

He is the youngest player at the expanded 48-team tournament and the Club Tijuana player has already attracted the interest of European clubs. 

The youngest player in men's World Cup history remains Northern Ireland's Norman Whiteside, who played at the 1982 tournament in Spain at the age of 17 years and 41 days.

--NNN-dpa