Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was bullish during his post-match press conference following their win over South Korea.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos took aim at his critics following South Africa’s historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup knockout stages, insisting the victory over South Korea was the perfect response to mounting outside pressure.
Bafana secured a famous 1-0 victory on Thursday morning, a result that saw South Africa advance to the round of 32 for the first time in the nation’s history. The triumph arrived after intense scrutiny surrounding Broos and his tactical approach following the opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico earlier in the competition.
The Belgian tactician had faced heavy criticism over his decision to switch systems against the hosts, whilst debates around team selection and style of play dominated discussion back home throughout South Africa’s World Cup campaign. But after watching his side deliver under immense pressure in Monterrey, Broos made it clear he felt entirely vindicated.
“I’m very proud of my team and I think we gave really a good answer to all those big mouths from previous weeks who wanted us to change things and wanted to tell us what we need to do,” a defiant Broos said after the match. “We did what I wanted to do and this is the result. I’m happy for my team.”
