If you don't win the first match, you're in a difficult position: SA coach Broos ahead of FIFA WC opener against Mexico
Mexico City, June 11
South Africa manager Hugo Broos said his side is ready and motivated ahead of its FIFA World Cup opener against co-host Mexico on Friday, insisting his players must focus on winning the opening game and not be intimidated by the atmosphere at the Azteca Stadium.
Broos acknowledged that Mexico have quality throughout their squad and will enjoy strong backing from the home crowd, but said South Africa would take the field with the belief that they can get a positive result.
"They play good football. They have very good players, players who can decide a match. And playing in front of their own fans gives them a boost," Broos told reporters on Thursday.
With South Korea and the Czech Republic also in Group A, Broos stressed the importance of making a strong start to the tournament.
"In a group like this, it is very important to win your first game. If you don't win, you are already in a difficult position," he said.
South Africa arrived in Mexico well in advance to adapt to the altitude in Mexico City, which sits more than 2,200 metres above sea level. Broos said the preparations had gone according to plan.
"Because of the altitude, we had to be here a little bit sooner. We had 10 days, and I think 10 days is sufficient. From that side, I think we are ready," he said.
The fixture will be a repeat of the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, when the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg.
Broos also recalled facing Mexico coach Javier Aguirre during the 1986 FIFA World Cup, when Belgium and Mexico met at the same venue.
While expecting a hostile atmosphere from the home supporters, the South Africa coach urged his players to remain focused on the task at hand.
"For sure it is a big challenge, to play in front of 87,000 Mexicans, but I will tell the players to focus on the match. The Mexicans at the stadium do not play, they just shout and sing and dance.
"We have to focus on the game, and if we can do that and not be bothered by the noise of the Mexicans, we can have a good game tomorrow," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who remembers the 2010 World Cup, that 1-1 draw between SA and Mexico was electric. Broos knows what he's talking about - Mexico always have quality like Lozano or Raul Jimenez. But SA have improved since then. Should be a tight match!
It's a tough group for SA. Mexico with home support, South Korea, and Czech Republic are no pushovers. But this is where Bafana Bafana need to show mental strength. Broos seems to have the right mindset - focus on the game not the noise. Reminds me of our own players when we play at Salt Lake Stadium with 100,000 fans. 😊
Mexico at Azteca is a fortress, but Broos' approach is sensible. SA have good players like Percy Tau and Lyle Foster. The 10-day altitude acclimatization shows professionalism. I think SA can get at least a point here - just need to survive the first 20 minutes of Mexican pressure.
Broos' comment about Mexico's fans singing and dancing is spot on. Indian crowds at Mohun Bagan-East Bengal matches have similar energy. The key is to not get overwhelmed. I just hope SA's defense holds up - Mexico will come out flying in the first half. The 'if you don't win first match' pressure is real. 🏆
Broos is wise to downplay the crowd factor - at the end of the day, it's 11 vs 11. But let's be honest, Mexico
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