In Group A, everything will be decided in the last round – this became clear after the 1:1 draw between the Czech Republic and South Africa.
The match started in such a way that the Africans could immediately be written off. One mistake followed another, and all together they piled up in Williams’ goal as early as the 6th minute. South Africa missed a throw-in, failed to block the cross to Sojka, and did not manage to prevent Sadílek from shooting from about 11 meters centrally into the goal.
Hugo Broos’s team looked terrible, with little organization and many individual actions. In general, a classic African team from the 90s. It seemed that the experience and training of the Europeans would easily overpower Bafana Bafana.
But the Czechs valued their advantage too much and gladly gave up the ball. And South Africa started running and fighting so much that the favorite simply ran out of strength.
With each passing minute, the Czechs retreated towards their penalty area. And when they sat back there, a penalty immediately occurred. Maseko, after an attack on the corner of the penalty area, hit the arm of the approaching Schulz. American referee Toni Presno confidently pointed to the spot. And there Mokoena was no less confident in dealing with Kovarž.
1:1 – South Africa’s huge desire kept the team in the game. Now everything will be decided in the third round matches. The Czechs face Mexico, and South Africa faces South Korea.
World Cup 2026
Czech Republic – South Africa 1:1 (1:0)
Goals: Sadílek M., 6 (1:0); Mokoena, 83 (penalty) (1:1)
Czech Republic: Kovarž M.; Coufal; Granáč; Holeš; Sadílek M. (Souček, 66); Krejčí L. II.; Darida (Schulz P., 54); Červ L. (Zíma D., 78); Sojka (Zelený, 54); Gložek (Provod, 66); Schick
Substitutions: Zelený (from 54); Schulz P. (from 54); Provod (from 66); Souček (from 66); Zíma D. (from 78)
Reserves: Staněk; Horniček; Jurašek D.; Chalupěk; Doudera; Sohurek; Hýtil; Višinský; Kuchta; Chory
Warnings: Krejčí L. II. 75
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