Broos backs his tactical plan after World Cup opener defeat

Broos surprised everyone with not just a back three but also three holding midfielders, and two strikers, a formation he was trying out for the first time. Bafana suffered an early goal after a defensive lapse from Sithole, and the second goal arrived in the second half when they were already a man down. This is Broos’ take on the tactics...

"I believe and I have confidence in my team. They were motivated and they wanted to show all the work they put in and how good they are. We should've been more dangerous and had more offensive play."

READ: Bafana handed World Cup reality check admits Ronwen Williams

Bafana finished the game with only nine players after Sphephelo Sithole was sent off for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity at the beginning of the second half. 

A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review resulted in Themba Zwane being shown a straight red card towards the end of the game as well, but Broos felt differently about these two red cards.

Asked about the standard of the game and the tournament, and if it was too high for his players, this is how Broos responded...

"This level is much higher than any other level, but I also have to tell you that we played a good game. I saw a desperate Mexico and at moments they didn't know what to do with the ball. The defensive organisation has been perfect, but we have to improve offensively."

Bafana will now have to dig deep in their next game against Czechia in Atlanta on the 18th of this month, the Europeans have also opened with a loss in the group, going down 2-1 to South Korea.