Czech Republic and South Africa stumble at World Cup with 1-1 draw, leaving both on brink

The Czech Republic and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on 18 June, a result that leaves both sides with a single point after two Group A matches and their World Cup hopes in serious jeopardy. Michal Sadilek gave the Czechs an early lead, but Teboho Mokoena converted an 83rd-minute penalty after a Pavel Sulc handball to snatch a point for Bafana Bafana.

Early Czech control

The Czechs, returning to the World Cup after 20 years, started with purpose. In the very first minute Patrik Schick headed wide unmarked from a Krejci cross. The breakthrough arrived on six minutes when Adam Hlozek delivered from the right and Sadilek arrived late to beat Ronwen Williams. The goal, Sadilek's second for his country, came from a throw-in routine reminiscent of their strike against South Korea. South Africa, who had not scored at a World Cup since Katlego Mphela's effort against France in 2010, looked vulnerable and disjointed defensively, and the Czechs created further openings through Lukas Cerv and Schick early in the second half.

Late drama

The European side, however, grew cautious and invited pressure. With six minutes remaining, Thapelo Maseko's shot struck the arm of substitute Pavel Sulc and American referee Tori Penso pointed to the spot. Mokoena, whose club is Mamelodi Sundowns, kept his composure to level the match. He celebrated with Cristiano Ronaldo's trademark gestures (pointing to the ground and folding his hands), a moment that drew social-media quips about the Portuguese star's own goalless outing against Congo. The final ten minutes brought frantic exchanges: Relebohile Mofokeng nearly won it for South Africa at the death, while the Czechs pushed forward without reward.

Group A picture

Mexico3

South Korea3

Czech Republic1

South Africa1

Mexico

3 points

South Korea

3 points

Czech Republic

1 points

South Africa

1 points

Data from the article text

Mexico and South Korea, with three points each, meet later on 18 June in Zapopan. The Czech Republic and South Africa sit on one point apiece and now face a must-win scenario when the group concludes on 25 June. The Czechs take on Mexico, while South Africa meet South Korea. Mokoena, who was booked during the match, will miss that final fixture through suspension, depriving the side of their penalty hero.

Manager verdict

Czech manager Miroslav Koubek argued his side were the more deserving winners, pointing to the chances they created.

“I think that taking a look at the chances, we were nearer to victory. But we were not able to score a second goal. If we scored a second goal, it would probably be the end of the match.”

He disagreed with South Africa's Hugo Broos, who claimed the Czechs only threatened from set-pieces. Koubek accepted the penalty decision as "very unfortunate" but declined to criticize the referee.

“Even though the penalty was quite strict, it was okay that she called it handball.”

The game was officiated by an all-female trio led by Tori Penso, only the second time a women's refereeing team has handled a men's World Cup fixture after Stéphanie Frappart in 2022.