Hugo Broos did not hide his frustration when the conversation turned to the two red cards that darkened South Africa’s 2-0 opening loss to Mexico, but the veteran coach was careful to separate anger from excuses.
Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane both saw red in what became a miserable World Cup debut for Bafana Bafana, and Broos had a different view on each dismissal.
“It’s not nice for both players to get a red card in an opening game of the World Cup,” he said.
“The first one we must accept, the player was going in on goal, Yaya fouled him. But the second, the Mexican player blocked my player, and then it was a bit soft for a red card.”
The frustration in his voice was unmistakable on that second incident. A soft call at the worst possible moment, on the biggest stage his players had ever stood on. Two men down – with Zwane possibly more than a game suspended should the offense be considered violent conduct.
“We have two players out in the next game, but we have other players,” he said firmly. “And if our players can show the same mentality, we can have better results.”
When asked whether South Africa could still go far in the tournament, Broos paused, then answered with the measured pragmatism of a man who has seen football do stranger things.
“Look, in a tournament you can’t think too far. Anything can happen. The goal stays the same as a week ago — survive the group stages. It was not a good start, but it is what it is. We must stay positive and see what happens.”