The veteran coach has already confirmed that the World Cup will be the final competition of his coaching career, and he hopes to sign off by achieving something no South African national team has managed before.

Bafana head into the Group A encounter as underdogs against a Mexican side backed by a passionate home crowd and a strong run of recent results. However, Broos believes his players are capable of competing with the tournament hosts and keeping their hopes of progression alive.

"No one in Hollywood could have scripted it better," Broos told the media.

"I am dreaming of a beautiful ending where South Africa reach the knockout phase of a World Cup for the first time after three first-round exits."

South Africa are appearing at their fourth FIFA World Cup and have never progressed beyond the group stages. However, the expanded 48-team format offers renewed hope, with Broos believing a place in the second round is within reach.

The Belgian tactician is no stranger to World Cup history. He played against Mexico at the 1986 World Cup during his final major tournament as a player for Belgium and now returns to face the same nation 40 years later in what could be his last appearance on football's biggest stage.

Broos acknowledged the difficult task awaiting his side at the Azteca Stadium, where an estimated 85,000 Mexican supporters are expected to create a hostile atmosphere.

"There will be a massive crowd and there will not be so much South African support," he said.

"But we have to focus entirely on our game. If we are not too heavily influenced by the noise of 85,000 Mexicans, then we can have a good game."

While Mexico are regarded as favourites and the strongest team in the group, Broos insists there is little separating the four sides in Group A, which also includes the Czech Republic and South Korea.

"Our mission is to create history by reaching the second round," he said.

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