“We Were the Better Team” — Broos Fires Warning To South Korea
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos praised his side’s performance and expressed confidence ahead of their decisive final Group A clash against South Korea after another encouraging display on the world stage.
South Africa collected their first point of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia in their second group-stage encounter on Thursday evening.
The result provided a much-needed boost for Bafana after they suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in their opening match of the tournament. While the draw kept South Africa’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive, Broos felt his side deserved more from the contest based on their overall performance.
Speaking to Sporty TV after the match, the Belgian coach said he was particularly pleased with how his team responded after conceding early.
“I think we produced a fantastic performance, except for that one moment at the beginning of the first half from a long throw-in,” said Broos.
“We knew that was part of the analysis, so we were not focused and concentrated enough. But you see, at this level, you pay the price.
“But after that, I think we were the better team for 75 minutes. In the second half, they just threw the ball forward and hoped that their big players, who are 1.95m and 1.92m tall, would get a touch and create an opportunity. But we also won the second balls.
“And then you need a little bit of luck. We had some chances, the ball went through legs and things like that. OK, I’m very happy with the 1-1, but I’m even happier with the performance. Now we know what we have to do in the next game. We have to win, and then we are in the second round.”
Following the draw, South Africa remained at the bottom of Group A with one point, level with Czechia. Their final group-stage fixture will be against South Korea, with both teams still in contention for a place in the knockout stages.
A second-place finish would guarantee progression, while finishing third could also be enough to advance, as the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament will qualify for the next round.
Broos, however, warned against underestimating the Koreans despite their 1-0 defeat to Mexico on Friday.
“Don’t underestimate South Korea. I watched them when they played against Czechia,” he added.
“It’s a good team and a very disciplined team. That’s something characteristic of many East Asian teams.
“So it will be difficult for us, but if we can produce another performance like today’s, we have a chance to win. We will do everything we can to achieve that.”
Broos is coaching at the FIFA World Cup for the first time and believes his side can take confidence from their display against Czechia.
With qualification still within reach, Bafana will now turn their focus to what promises to be a crucial encounter against South Korea in Monterrey next week, knowing that victory could secure their place in the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup.
