*This content was translated by AI.
The African ambush, which will face South Korea in the World Cup finals, expressed confidence. South Africa, which is in Group A of the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup, has claimed to be an ambush in the tournament.
Global media 'Reuters' reported an interview with South African national soccer team coach Hugo Bros. on the 31st (Korea Standard Time).
Coach Bros, a veteran Belgian head coach, said at a press conference before the friendly match with Panama, "South Africa can bring a surprise in this World Cup," and expressed confidence that "the fact that South Africa is an unknown team to many will work in its favor."
South Africa will play in the World Cup finals for the first time in 16 years since the 2010 tournament held in its own country. South Africa, which belongs to Group A of the North-China World Cup, will face South Korea, Europe Playoff Pass D (Denmark or Czech Republic) in turn after playing the opening match against host Mexico.
Hong Myung-bo Team's second opponent in the North-China U.S. World Cup, South Africa's head coach, Bros., said, "If our team's ability reaches the top level, we have enough capacity to make an upset at the World Cup," adding, "I'm not satisfied with simply advancing to the finals." It would be very disappointing if we didn't achieve as much as we thought," he stressed.
Coach Bros even added, "I know the mentality of the players and the hunger to show something at the World Cup, so I don't even have to encourage them."
In particular, South Africa emphasized that unlike other African countries, its league players are dominated. Coach Bros said, "Since finishing third in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, overseas interest in our players has soared," adding, "Only when we prove our skills in big tournaments such as the World Cup can more players advance overseas such as Europe." This is the most important thing for the development of South African football," he said.
South Africa is checking its strength by playing two warm-up matches against Panama during the A-match period in March. In the first match held on the 28th, it was tied 1-1, and it is set to face off for the second time on April 1.
On the other hand, South Africa's opponent in the group league, South Korea, is in the worst atmosphere. In the warm-up match against Ivory Coast on the 28th, the defensive line completely collapsed and suffered a 0-4 defeat. Hong Myung-bo Team, which set it as a virtual South Africa and received a devastating result in the match against the African team, aims to turn the mood around against Austria on April 1.
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*This content was translated by AI.
