Czech Republic held to 1-1 draw by South Africa after late Mokoena penalty in World Cup Group A

Fast Czech start undone in Atlanta

Czech Republic returned to the World Cup stage after a twenty-year absence and began with intent at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Patrik Schick missed a free header inside the first sixty seconds, but the opening goal materialised moments later. Michal Sadilek swept home a slick team move in the sixth minute, finishing from an Adam Hlozek cutback after a long throw from Vladimir Coufal had caught the South African defence off guard. The European side looked in control, pressing high and pinning the 'Bafana Bafana' in their own half.

South Africa grow into the contest

South Africa, who had lost 2-0 to Mexico in their opener, initially struggled to build any attacking rhythm. Their first serious threat came deep in first-half stoppage time when Thapelo Maseko's shot was blocked on the line by captain Ladislav Krejci after goalkeeper Matej Kovar had fumbled a cross. The pattern of the first period, however, was one of Czech manage­ment; they allowed the Africans possession but kept them at arm's length.

Late penalty and a Ronaldo celebration

The tempo swung after the restart. Czech Republic carved out chances within minutes, Lukas Cerv and Schick forcing saves from Ronwen Williams, but the second goal wouldn't come. South Africa kept pushing and, with seven minutes remaining, Maseko hammered a shot against the arm of substitute Pavel Sulc. American referee Tori Penso, one of the women officiating at a men's World Cup alongside Stéphanie Frappart, awarded a penalty. Teboho Mokoena converted emphatically and celebrated with a double Cristiano Ronaldo routine, pointing to the ground and folding his hands across his chest. The midfielder, who had tears in his eyes during the national anthem, will miss the final group match after picking up a second yellow card.

What the managers said

We are sorry about the result, because I think that taking a look at the chances, we were nearer to victory. If we scored a second goal, it would probably be the end of the match.

Koubek rejected counterpart Hugo Broos's suggestion that Czech danger came only from tall players at set-pieces, insisting his side created the better openings. He accepted the handball call, calling it "strict but okay," though he acknowledged the decision was unfortunate for his team.

Group A standings and next steps

The draw leaves both sides with one point from two fixtures. Mexico and South Korea each have three points from one game and meet in Zapopan on Friday. Czech Republic must beat Mexico in their closing match to have any hope of advancing, a task complicated by the five changes Koubek made for this game, which left key midfielder Tomas Soucek and the influential Sulc on the bench. South Africa need a victory against South Korea on Wednesday to keep their own slim qualification hopes alive.