MEXICO CITY, June 10 (Xinhua) -- South Africa manager Hugo Broos said his team is ready and motivated ahead of its FIFA World Cup opener against co-host Mexico on Thursday.
Broos accepted that Mexico was the stronger team but said his side would approach the match at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City with a desire to win and put itself on course for a possible appearance in the knockout stages.
"They play good football," Broos told a news conference on Wednesday. "They have very good players, players who can decide a match. And playing in front of their own fans gives them a boost."
Broos said he had carefully analyzed Mexico's players and tactics to prepare for any eventuality. The team's meticulous preparations included a decision to arrive early to adapt to local conditions, particularly the altitude of over 2,200 meters.
"Because of the altitude, we had to be here a little bit sooner," he said. "We had 10 days, and I think 10 days is sufficient. From that side, I think we are ready."
Group A also features South Korea and the Czech Republic, and Broos knows that a loss on Thursday would significantly dent South Africa's hopes of reaching the round of 32.
"In a group like this, it is very important to win your first game," he said. "If you don't win, you are already in a difficult position."
The match has several subplots, not least that it will reprise the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg.
There will also be a sense of deja vu for the managers. Broos and Mexico boss Javier Aguirre were opponents when Belgium and Mexico met in the group stage of the 1986 World Cup at Azteca Stadium.
"For sure it is big challenge, to play in front of 87,000 Mexicans, but I will tell the players to focus on the match. The Mexicans [supporters] at the stadium do not play, they just shout and sing and dance," Broos said. "We have to focus on the game and if we can do that and not be bothered by the noise of the Mexicans, we can have a good game tomorrow." ■
