Hugo Broos rises above South Africa’s problems to break new World Cup ground

Hugo Broos, South Africa's Belgian head coach, deserves significant credit for guiding Bafana Bafana to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. The country had been absent from the tournament since hosting it in 2010 and had participated only twice before that, in 1998 and 2002. A wave of excitement swept through when Broos ended their long qualifying drought.

The 74-year-old's path to this historic moment came dangerously close to not happening. South Africa nearly missed qualification entirely due to a self-inflicted wound by the South African Football Association. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena was fielded in a qualifier against Lesotho despite being suspended after receiving two yellow cards, prompting FIFA to deduct three points from South Africa's total. Bafana Bafana squeezed through by finishing one point ahead of Nigeria, who entered the playoffs, and Benin.

Without big-name European players, Broos forged a functional side from the Premier Soccer League. "Everything started four years ago when I gave opportunities to players that were not Mamelodi Sundowns players that were not Orlando Pirates players or Kaizer Chiefs players," Broos explained. "I took players from Cape Town City I took players from Baroka United and everybody was angry. They wondered what I was doing with those players because I did not call players that many felt should be in the team. I had a plan and the main thing about this plan was to build a team. You need young players who are hungry who are motivated."

Despite tactical criticism following a 2-0 defeat to Mexico and a 1-1 draw with Czechia, South Africa progressed to face Canada in the knockout stages. However, they fell to a stoppage-time goal from Stephen Eustaquio. After the match, the 74-year-old Broos confirmed his tournament departure: "It is my last World Cup that is for sure."