Bafana Bafana faces a daunting challenge against 15th-ranked Mexico in their FIFA World Cup opener on June 11 at Estadio Azteca, with their best hope lying in quick counter-attacks despite being massive underdogs. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Playing in the opening game of a FIFA World Cup comes with immense pressure, not only for the host nation but also for their opponents. But what can South Africans expect from Bafana Bafana against Mexico on June 11?
Kick-off at the Estadio Azteca is at 9pm SA time.
It's a rematch of the 2010 FIFA World Cup opener when South Africa were the hosts. On that occasion, Bafana took a spectacular lead through a Siphiwe Tshabalala wonder strike, only to be forced to settle for a draw after Mexico equalised 11 minutes from time.
Sixteen years later, to the day, Bafana will face Mexico again. This time, however, they will be hard-pressed to get anything from the match.
Mexico are ranked 15th in the world, while South Africa sit 60th. That gap is significant. However, football matches are not won on paper, and Bafana coach Hugo Broos may have something up his sleeve.
In fact, much of the pressure will be on Mexico as hosts to deliver a statement performance in their opening fixture.
Broos would do well to embrace that reality. Bafana will be massive underdogs and are therefore expected to lose.
Under Broos, South Africa have become adept at launching quick counter-attacks, and that could be their biggest weapon if they are able to frustrate a powerful Mexican side.
The challenge for Bafana is that Mexico have conceded just one goal in their last four matches while scoring four themselves.
Going forward, Mexico are likely to have Raúl Jiménez, Julian Quiñones and Gilberto Mora at their disposal. The trio could cause plenty of problems for the Bafana defence, meaning goalkeeper Ronwen Williams will need to be at his very best to keep a clean sheet. At the other end, Mbekezeli Mbokazi is expected to be the rock at the heart of the South African defence, and his performance could have a major influence on the result.
For Bafana, any of Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis or Lyle Foster could be tasked with leading the attack. As mentioned, South Africa's best opportunities are likely to come on the counter.
Of course, Bafana's preparations have already been disrupted by travel delays caused by visa issues, which will hardly have helped their cause.
Personally, I think the best Bafana can hope for is a draw — and if they achieve that, it should be celebrated.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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