Hugo Broos under no illusion about South Korea qualities

24.06.26 FT World Cup

South Africa

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South Korea

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Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is aware of the threat posed by South Korea ahead of their clash in a must-win game at Monterrey Stadium on Thursday (03h00).

South Africa head into the final Group A match rooted at the bottom of the standings with one point, while the Asians are in second place with three points accumulated.

While Bafana need a win to secure passage to the knockout stages for the first time in history, a draw will be enough for Korea, setting up a nervy affair for both teams.

Broos is braced for a tough encounter with the stakes even higher, stressing the opponent's relentless stamina and tactical discipline as key factors ahead of the game.

“I think it's a special game for both teams, we have to win the game, we all know that. So, it's one way easy because you have to win, at the other end it's also difficult because of the opponent, it's a very good team, it's a very disciplined team, so let's hope that we can achieve our best level so that at the end of the game we have a victory,” said the Belgian mentor.

"South Korea is a disciplined and good physical team, they run for 90 minutes, everyone knows his role in the team and they do it very disciplined. So, for us, it will be the question of how can we stop their qualities and how can we use their weaknesses. We made analysis of the team and we will see if it can do what we have to do tomorrow and win the game.

However, the veteran tactician is optimistic that his side can secure a favorable result, despite having already proved to succumb under pressure in high-stakes matches at the ongoing World Cup.

“I think we were a little bit overwhelmed by the occasion in our first game, we have a team that has a lack of experience in such games, in such events, and that was also the reason why we didn't play like we wanted to play against Mexico, but you saw in the game against Czechia it was already much better,” Broos added.

"And now the motivation is there because as I said in the beginning of this press conference we can write history, so there is a big motivation in the group. I feel that the boys are ready to fight for it until the last second of the game, to achieve that victory tomorrow. But again, there is also an opponent, we will see tomorrow who will be the best of both.

Whether Broos and his troops can etch their names in the nation's football history remains to be seen, with the all-important maximum points on the line.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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