Hugo Broos praises his side's bravery under pressure but laments critical defensive turnovers and a highly controversial refereeing call that left South Africa playing with nine men.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is targeting history ahead of Thursday's World Cup opener against Mexico, aiming to take South Africa past the group stage for the first time.

While Mexico look to tear up a historical record of never winning a World Cup opening match, Bafana Bafana prepare to brave a hostile cauldron in Mexico City.