South Africa brace for Azteca test against Mexico in World Cup opener

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has challenged his players to block out an expected wall of sound on Thursday when they take on co-hosts Mexico in their World Cup opener.
Broos, 74, will be making an emotional return to the Estadio Azteca when he leads South Africa into their daunting Group A assignment in Mexico City.
The former Belgium international experienced first-hand the noise of the Azteca during the 1986 finals in Mexico, where he played in the Red Devils’ opener against the hosts.
Broos is bracing for more of the same on Thursday in a game that he regards as pivotal to South Africa’s chances of advancing beyond the group stage.
“There will be a big crowd and there will not...