Former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena has defended himself against criticism surrounding Diego Forlan’s opening goal in South Africa’s 3-0 defeat to Uruguay at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Bafana Bafana suffered the loss in their second group-stage match at Loftus Versfeld after opening the tournament with a promising 1-1 draw against Mexico.
Mokoena, known as “Mbazo”, was widely blamed for giving Forlan too much space before the Uruguay star unleashed the long-range effort that put his side ahead.
The goal shifted the momentum of the match as Uruguay went on to dominate proceedings.
Speaking on Diski Dine, Mokoena explained his thinking in the build-up to the goal and insisted there was little he could have done differently.
“In my head, I was thinking he struck the ball very well, but we had Khune in goals. Then there was the Jabulani ball. I hated that ball,” Mokoena said.
“We went into the Uruguay game after drawing with Mexico and we knew this guy could strike a ball.”
Explaining why he did not close Forlan down more aggressively, Mokoena said he had to weigh up the risk of leaving space behind him.
“For the first goal, I came a bit closer because you don’t want to commit yourself. He wasn’t the type of player who would constantly take you on, but he was quick. I was thinking if I went tighter, there would be space behind me.”
The former defender also highlighted Forlan’s pedigree, arguing that the quality of the strike was more a reflection of the Uruguayan’s talent than any defensive mistake.
“It was nobody’s fault. Remember, this guy played for Manchester United and Villarreal. Look at the teams he played for. That tells you the kind of quality player he was.”
Mokoena talks about Forlan’s goal
Forlan went on to score twice as Uruguay secured a crucial victory, leaving Bafana Bafana with an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages.
Despite beating France 2-1 in their final group match, South Africa became the first host nation in World Cup history to be eliminated in the group stage.