Broos on his legacy, South Korea and qualifying for the World Cup round of 32

Broos has already said he will retire from coaching at the end of the tournament, ending 40 years in the dug-out, but is desperate for it not to end at the hands of the Koreans.   

Victory could see Bafana Bafana finish second in the group. While defeat and they will be going home. 

“It will be a special and difficult match for both teams,” Broos told reporters. “South Korea are an excellent and well-disciplined side. For South Africa, we must produce a top-level performance if we want to secure victory.

“I cannot reveal specific tactics, but I know very well that South Korea are a team with strong physicality and excellent discipline, and they are capable of running for 90 minutes. 

“Every player knows their role and performs it within the team. For South Africa, it is crucial that we find a way to block their strengths and exploit their weaknesses. We will do what we must to win tomorrow’s match.”

Broos admits the climate and the travelling to and from the United States had left its mark on his squad.

“The climate conditions here are very hot and really difficult to adapt to. Even during my playing days, I could not adapt to this kind of weather and I always struggled to perform in it,” he said.

“However, because South Africa are an African team, perhaps we can endure and adapt to these conditions more easily. Tomorrow, we will see which team adapts best.

“It is extremely exhausting. Travelling from Mexico City to Atlanta and then to Monterrey, dealing with jet lag and constant movement, is a very demanding schedule. 

“It is certainly not easy, but these are the rules of the World Cup and we must adapt.”

Broos believes his side better understands the demands of playing at this level following their opening two matches, a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico and a 1-1 draw with Czech Republic.

“In our first match against Mexico, we lacked tournament experience and were a little overwhelmed, but we improved significantly against the Czech Republic. Tomorrow’s match gives us tremendous motivation to win. The players are ready to fight until the very last second.”

As for his legacy with the side, Broos says he is not concerned about that.

“How I am remembered is not important at all. Only winning matters. This is my first World Cup (as a coach), and my last, so I want to succeed. Our goal is to advance to the round of 32.”