Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt
- Fans blamed Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos for defensive tactics after South Africa lost two nil against Mexico in Mexico.
- Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ricardo Goss says South Africa will play much better when Bafana Bafana face Czechia on Thursday in Atlanta.
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ricardo Goss is hitting back at critics after a 2-0 loss against Mexico. Critics blasted Bafana Bafana for a boring performance against the host nation at the Azteca Stadium during the World Cup.
Supporters blamed coach Hugo Broos for his defensive tactics and for choosing Sphelelo Sithole and Themba Zwane. Both received red cards and have struggled for form lately.
But Goss says South Africa will play much better when Bafana Bafana face Czechia on Thursday in Atlanta. The match starts at 18:00 South African time. South Africa are at the bottom of Group A after the first round of games.
Czechia also lost their opening match 2-1 against South Korea. South Africa must get all three points to keep hopes of reaching the last 32 alive.
Goss defended Broos at the team hotel in Pachuca. Mexico are in 14th place while South Africa are down in 60th place. He said the gap is massive.
Goss said it is unfair to criticise Broos because the coach has been phenomenal. Broos got South Africa to the World Cup and won bronze at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). Goss wants Broos to stay after the tournament.
Broos turned up the heat the day after the Mexico loss by shouting orders and demanding more energy and a better work ethic. Goss said the players responded well before the match against Czechia.
Goss said Czechia play a direct style of football similar to local coach Gavin Hunt. Czechia rely on set-plays and scored their goal against South Korea from a long throw-in.
South Africa struggled to defend set-pieces against Cameroon and Panama before. Goss said the players have had three or four sessions on set-plays.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana in action against Mexico.
Image source: @BafanaBafana
