Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ricardo Goss has jumped to the defence of head coach Hugo Broos, insisting that starting with two strikers against Mexico proved the technical team went out with a positive, winning mindset.
Broos and his charges have come under heavy fire from local fans and pundits following Bafana’s 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City last Thursday.
In the wake of the loss, a fierce tactical debate has erupted over Broos’ team selection. While some quarters argued for a more conservative approach against the North American side, a large section of South African fans felt the veteran tactician should have unleashed more dynamic offensive weapons—specifically the in-form duo of Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis, or the explosive Thapelo Maseko.
Speaking from Bafana Bafana’s tournament training base in Pachuca, Mexico, on Monday, Goss dismissed the post-match scrutiny, stating that the formation on the day wasn’t bad and the conversation around it would not have surfaced had the scoreline been different.
‘DON’T BLAME THE FORMATION’ – RICARDO GOSS BACKS BROOS’ WORLD CUP TACTICS
“Obviously, the coach is the gaffer. He is the one that makes the calls,” Goss told the media. “I think had we actually equalised at some point to make it 1-1, we wouldn’t be talking about the formation. The coach and the analysts plan meticulously for the games ahead, and it’s up to them. To be honest, I don’t think the formation was bad.
“The way we conceded the first goal kind of killed our momentum. If we don’t concede that early goal and go into halftime at 0-0, the conversation around the system doesn’t even surface,” the shot-stopper added.
Rather than viewing the line-up as flawed, Mamelodi Sundowns keeper believes going toe-to-toe with Mexico in their backyard showed immense tactical bravery from Broos.
“Going with two strikers actually shows the coach was being positive. It was a clear statement that he wanted to go out there and win the game,” Goss concluded.
Bafana Bafana have already shifted their focus away from the Azteca heartbreak as they prepare for a must-win Group A clash against the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday.
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