FILE. Florent Malouda advised Bafana Bafana to strengthen their defence ahead of their FIFA World Cup knockout match against Canada, highlighting their previous defensive lapses and the importance of avoiding disciplinary issues. Picture: Chelsea Martin Rickett/Backpagepix/Press Association Images
Image: Chelsea Martin Rickett/Backpagepix/Press Association Images
Now that Bafana Bafana are through to the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history, it’s time to shore up their defence, according to Florent Malouda.
The former France and Chelsea star was concerned by the defensive lapses Bafana showed in their opening two matches.
South Africa conceded inside the first 10 minutes against both Mexico and Czechia.
Against Mexico, it resulted in a 2-0 defeat, while against Czechia, Bafana fought back to rescue a crucial point with a late equaliser.
“To go through, South Africa had to fix their defensive balance. Before the South Korea game they had been exposed every time there was a high tempo in the game. There were a lot of defensive tactical mistakes that were costly, including disciplinary mistakes,” Malouda said while speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest World Cup odds.
“Offensively, South Africa showed across the three games that they can create chances and are very interesting to watch because they have raw talent and the ability to produce something out of nothing.
“If you do have disciplinary issues, you start the game with a disadvantage, and this is what they have to remember going into the knockout stages.”
South Africa defied the odds to keep a dangerous South Korea side at bay, securing a historic 1-0 victory to finish second in Group A. The result also spared Bafana the anxious wait to see whether they would qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament’s 12 groups.
Bafana will now face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday evening, with kick-off at 9pm SA time.