Bafana be warned: Group A rivals earn convincing wins in last warm-up games

South Africa’s other Group A rivals, the Czech Republic, also prepared for the global finals with a 3-1 victory over Guatemala. With South Korea also in good form, these results are worrying indications for Hugo Broos’ side.

Mexico trailed after Petar Stanic scored for Serbia, but then took full command of the match, aided by two own goals.

Stefan Bukinac and Adem Avdic scored own goals, while Raul Jimenez, Johan Vasquez and Luis Chavez also found the net.

Chávez had been dealing with injury concerns ahead of the match but entered as a substitute to score, while skipper César Montes started after also reporting muscle trouble.

Midfielder Edson Álvarez and forward Alexis Vega also came on as substitutes in attempts to demonstrate their fitness.

The team’s performance was one of the finest of coach Javier Aguirre’s third tenure and stretches their unbeaten run ahead of the World Cup to eight matches.

“It hasn’t been an easy road, but we’re ready for the World Cup. Let’s hope we get off to a good start,” Aguirre said after the match.

The Czech Republic benefited from goals by Patrik Schick, Tomas Chory and Denis Visinsky but were pushed hard by Guatemala, only assuming control in the final 20 minutes.

This comes after their 2-1 victory over Kosovo last Friday, keeping them unbeaten in six matches (W4 D2).

South Africa begin their campaign against Mexico next Thursday, followed by a meeting with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on 18 June. They conclude their Group A matches against South Korea in Monterrey on 24 June.

Bafana have a last preparation match against Jamaica, which has been moved to Saturday at 11 pm South African time.

It will be played with no spectators and will not be televised.