Broos criticises Nicaragua: 'Such a negative opponent'

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos labelled Nicaragua a 'negative opponent' following their goalless draw at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday night.

Just as the FIFA World Cup fast approaches, Bafana looked to hit the skies on a winning note but they came up against a well-drilled outfit.

Missing a penalty just before halftime through Lyle Foster proved costly and as a successful conversion thereof would’ve opened the floodgates and resulted in a free-for all kind of a clash.

READ | Bafana fail to get past 131st-ranked Nicaragua

“I think we can be happy about the performance of the team even within today, but if you play against such a negative opponent than it becomes very difficult. Those people came here 90 minutes and defend, kicking the ball in front and then at the end injuries, one minute after the other so yeah it was all very negative and for us very difficult,” Broos told SABC Sport post-match.

“Yes, we missed a penalty when we score there, I think we can score more goals also because then they will try something, but then the opponent didn’t try anything today except defending,” he added

Starting a second-string side and featuring only a few of the regulars like Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, the team has the backing of the coach at the upcoming showpiece.

“I’m sure because I don’t think it will happen at the World Cup, the injuries were not injuries. But it can happen at the World Cup because the rules have changed about that. But those people I don’t know what the goal was for them of this game and for us it was very difficult to find the spaces.

“You need also a little bit luck; we had few chances there but again I’m certainly satisfied because I know that it was very difficult today.