Hugo Broos was left frustrated by South Africa’s red cards and lamented how Mexico punished them for “simple mistakes” as they were beaten 2-0 in their World Cup opener.
Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez were both on target for the co-hosts, who finished with 10 men after Cesar Montes was sent off late on, as El Tri got off to the perfect start in Group A, though they were helped as South Africa received two red cards.
Yaya Sithole, who had been at fault for the opening goal, was shown a straight red for denying a goalscoring opportunity four minutes after the break, before substitute Themba Zwane was also dismissed for violent conduct after catching Roberto Alvarado in the face.
As such, among nations to play 10+ games in the World Cup, South Africa have received a red card in the highest percentage of games (30% – 3/10).
Bafana Bafana are also the first team to have two red cards in a World Cup match since both the Netherlands and Portugal did so in their last-16 match in 2006.
“I don’t think there’s much to say about the first red card, but on the second, I think the Mexican player blocked our player,” Broos said.
“The referee decided something else – it’s a pity to finish this occasion with nine players.”
It ends in defeat at Estadio Azteca, not the start we wanted. On to the next one#BafanaPride#FIFA pic.twitter.com/wHy4Eemvpj
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 11, 2026
South Africa managed just three shots worth a combined 0.07 expected goals (xG), with only 0.01 of that coming after the break.
Overall, they had just two touches in the opposition box, with one of those a shot, and managed just 39 final-third entries.
“My team played a good game. Some moments, Mexico were even desperate,” Broos added.
“They didn’t know how to find spaces. But in the next game, we must be better when we have the ball. That was not so good, so we have to work on it.
“When you play this game against the hosts, you are under pressure. The only time we were under pressure was in the first 20 minutes.
“We had the ball, played well, but the problem was simple mistakes — twice we lost possession in areas we shouldn’t have, and Mexico punished us immediately with two goals.”
South Africa face Czechia in their next game on June 18, with South Korea their final opponents in Group A.
