MEXICO, CITY, Mexico — South Africa head coach Hugo Broos says his side are fully prepared to handle Mexico’s quality and home-crowd advantage when they open their World Cup campaign on Thursday, describing the hosts as the strongest team in their group.
“They play good football,” Broos told reporters on Wednesday. “They have very good players, players who can decide a match. And playing in front of 85,000 people gives them a boost.”
Broos said South Africa had conducted detailed tactical analysis of Mexico and would not be intimidated by the occasion, adding that his squad had also adapted well to the altitude after arriving early for preparation.
“Because of the altitude, we had to be here a little bit sooner,” he said. “We had 10 days, and I think 10 days is sufficient. From that side, I think we are ready.”
South Africa are drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea, with Broos stressing that the opening fixture could play a decisive role in their bid to reach the knockout stages.
“In a group like this, it is very important to win your first game,” he said. “If you don’t win, you are already in a difficult position.”
The fixture also carries historical significance for South Africa. At the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, they opened the tournament against Mexico in a 1-1 draw, a match remembered for Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic opening goal.
Broos himself has previous World Cup history against Mexico, having faced them as a player with Belgium at the 1986 tournament, where his side went on to finish fourth.
The hosts, meanwhile, are still searching for their first victory in a World Cup opener after seven previous attempts.
South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena said the team were eager to embrace the pressure while targeting progression to the knockout phase.
“We want to be competitive and see ourselves go to the next round,” Mokoena said. “We must be here to enjoy the experience. When you go home, you must not go home with regrets.”
Broos’ side head into the match aiming to make a strong start in what is expected to be one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.
