Bafana at World Cup: ‘We are not realistic as South Africa’ - goalkeeper defends coach Broos

In Pachuca, Mexico

Ricardo Goss has been here before.

In fact, this is where he has resided for the most part of his career – with occasional vacations away from the depths of despair he has consistently called home since turning professional.

Goss left the depths of despair for the gates of glory with his best season ever when he kept 14 clean sheets in 29 matches for Siwelele FC in the Betway Premiership.

That display was rewarded with Goss being named among the three Bafana Bafana goalkeepers in the squad currently on FIFA World Cup duty in Mexico.

However, Goss was soon thrust back into despair when Bafana lost the opening match of the global showpiece 2-0 against Mexico at Azteca Stadium.

Bafana – from the coaches to the players and even the analysts – were heavily criticised for their unimaginative and uninspiring performance.

READ | All not lost for Bafana’s World Cup: ‘The coach came with the best plan,’ says Sibisi

Broos carried the brunt of the criticism due to his ultra-defensive tactics and loyalty that cost the team when he fielded Sphelelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, who were both sent off, even though they haven’t been at their best in recent years.

“It’s just unfortunate that we are not realistic enough as South Africa,” Goss said at Bafana’s team hotel in Pachuca.

“I am not saying that we shouldn’t go out to try to win games. But if you see a Mexico team that’s 14th playing against a team that’s 60th – that’s daylight (in terms of the difference between the two sides).

“I am not saying that the rankings play the game, but it’s unfair to the coach. If you look at his progress and his stay in the national team, he has been phenomenal. We haven’t had what he has brought to the team in a while, to actually