“I didn’t think I’d be pining for South Africa after their horror-show performance on the opening day, but something about the freedom with which they played - slick and shambolic all at the same time - really grew on me as the tournament wore on.
“There were some excellent players in their ranks, but their bustling centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi stood out for his crunching challenges and drilled passes into midfield.
“He typified the South African urge to shoot on sight - all four of his shots came from at least 30 yards out - and he even popped a ball he hammered it so hard with his thumping left foot.
“He was a warrior of a centre-back, and I’ll miss never quite knowing what he was about to do next. Still, he’s only 20, so we might be hearing a lot more of him in the years to come.”
@ThomHarris_ says that Mbekezeli Mbokazi is the eliminated player that he will miss most at the World Cup...
Who else did our writers select?
🔗 https://t.co/lbdep0iNc4
South Africa suffered 2 red cards and a 2-0 loss to Mexico in their opening game…
All hope was lost.
Tonight, they’ve just reached the World Cup knockouts for their FIRST EVER time, finishing SECOND in their group.
What a story. 👏🇿🇦
i have this theory many women have a beauty and beast kink where they knowingly prefer ugly men so they look hotter but feel shame over this so they hate when women like hot guys