Hugo Blues was annoyed by South Africa’s pink card and lamented that Mexico had punished them for a “easy mistake” as they misplaced 2-0 of their opening World Cup match.
El Tri obtained off to an ideal begin in Group A, helped by South Africa’s two pink playing cards, however Julien Quiñones and Raul Jimenez each seemed on track because the co-hosts completed with 10 males after Cesar Montes was despatched off within the second half.
Yaya Sithole, who was liable for the opening objective, was given a pink for denying a scoring alternative 4 minutes after the break, whereas substitute Themba Zwane was additionally despatched off for violently hitting Roberto Alvarado within the face.
Consequently, of all of the nations that play 10 or extra World Cup matches, South Africa obtain the best proportion of matches (30% – 3/10).
Bafana Bafana are additionally the primary staff to obtain two pink playing cards in a World Cup match because the Netherlands and Portugal acquired pink playing cards of their last-16 match in 2006.
“I do not suppose there’s a lot to say in regards to the first pink card, however I feel with the second pink card the Mexican participant blocked our participant,” stated Bours.
“The referee made a distinct resolution. It is a disgrace to complete this sport with 9 gamers.”
We did not get the beginning we wished in opposition to Estadio Azteca and ended up shedding. Subsequent#BafanaPride#FIFA pic.twitter.com/wHy4Eemvpj
— BoysBoys (@BoysBoys) June 11, 2026
South Africa had simply three photographs, equating to a complete anticipated objectives (xG) of 0.07, of which simply 0.01 got here after the break.
Total, that they had simply two touches contained in the opponents’ half, together with one shot, and solely 39 makes an attempt into the ultimate third.
“My staff performed sport. Mexico even had some determined moments,” Bruce added.
“They did not know the best way to discover house. However subsequent sport we now have to be higher when we now have the ball. It wasn’t excellent so we now have to work on that.”
“There’s lots of stress whenever you play in opposition to a bunch nation. We had been solely below stress for the primary 20 minutes.
“We had the ball and performed effectively, however the issue was a easy mistake. We misplaced the ball twice in areas we should not have and Mexico instantly punished us with two objectives.”
South Africa will play the Czech Republic of their subsequent match on June 18, with South Korea being their remaining Group A opponent.
