Hugo Broos says Bafana Bafana must take responsibility for their own destiny after a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic in their second FIFA World Cup group match, praising his side’s performance while lamenting a costly lapse in concentration that led to the opening goal.
Bafana were forced to come from behind after conceding from a set-piece situation they had specifically prepared for, before Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty secured a vital point and kept their qualification hopes alive.
“In that moment I was very angry because this is something that we said in the analysis. You have to be focused from the first minute of the game, and that was not the case in that situation,” Broos told SABC Sport.
Broos admitted his team had been warned about the Czech Republic’s long throw-in threat but failed to execute defensively at a crucial moment.
“We know that number 5. is throwing very far. And we were not concentrated enough. The throw-in pass in front of the goal and the goal. At that level, you pay those kinds of mistakes cash. And this is something this team has to learn,” he said.
Despite the frustration, Broos highlighted clear signs of progress, urging perspective around expectations at the tournament.
“And again, we don’t have to think that Bafana Bafana will arrive in the semifinals or quarterfinals. This is something, a tournament where we can learn a lot. And you see, we learned from the first game. Not everything, but today it was a fantastic performance. And I’m very proud of my team,” he added.
The Belgian coach also explained the tactical adjustments made at half-time, aimed at improving Bafana’s ability to progress the ball and create opportunities between the lines.
“No, I think we needed someone like Rele [Relebohile Mofokeng] who could ask for the ball between the lines. And therefore, we changed during halftime,” he added. “But even the first half was good, except at that moment. Second half, we had chances.”
While acknowledging the physical challenge posed by the opposition, Broos criticised their direct approach, while backing his side’s footballing identity.
“The only thing they did was kicking the ball in front. And then you have the big army, 195, 192. And that is something they were counting on. But they didn’t play football, I think,” he said. “When you see Bafana Bafana playing today, I think you have to admit that we have a good team.”
Bafana now turn their attention to a decisive final group match against South Korea next Thursday, 25 June in Monterrey, with qualification still firmly within reach.
Bafana will look to secure victory to strengthen their chances of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams in the group stage.
And Broos made it clear that the equation is simple going forward: control their own fate.
“Yes, this is, we have a goal now. And again, we have to count on ourselves. So we don’t have to count on someone else or what maybe this one lose and then this. No. If we win, we are in the second round. And we will do everything like today. We will do everything. We will go over the limits to achieve that,” he concluded.
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
