South Africa secure a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic at Atlanta’s stadium, keeping their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage alive. Teboho Mokoena scores from a penalty late in the match to cancel out Michal Sadilek’s early opener for the Czech Republic. The result leaves both teams on one point, with South Africa and the Czech Republic still needing strong results from their remaining group fixtures. The sources report that South Africa must likely win their next Group A match, which is against South Korea, to advance to the last 32. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, play Mexico next. The match follows disappointing opening-day results for both sides, but the Czech Republic take the lead after a short spell of early pressure and attempt to build on it. South Africa create chances as the game develops, including late moments where they come close to extending the scoreline. The penalty that decides the match comes after a shot hits an opponent’s arm during a late incident, with referee Tori Penso pointing to the spot. The draw means the group remains competitive ahead of the final round of group matches.
South Africa draw Czech Republic 1-1, keeping hopes for World Cup last 32 alive
South Africa secure a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic at Atlanta’s stadium, keeping their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage alive. Teboho Mokoena scores from a penalty late in the match...
- South Africa and the Czech Republic play to a 1-1 draw in Atlanta.
- Michal Sadilek gives the Czech Republic an early lead.
- Teboho Mokoena equalizes for South Africa with a late penalty.
- Both teams remain in contention for the last 32 but are reported to need favorable results in their final Group A matches.
- South Africa next face South Korea, while the Czech Republic face Mexico.
Teboho Mokoena's penalty kept South Africa's dream of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time alive after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday.
10 hours agoTeboho Mokoena's penalty kept South Africa's dream of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time alive after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta...
10 hours agoATLANTA, United States (AFP) — Teboho Mokoena's penalty kept South Africa's dream of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time alive after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday. Michal Sadilek's early opener had the Czechs on course for just their second World Cup win as an independent nation. But Mokoena's late spot-kick kept both teams in the hunt for the last 32, although they will almost certainly have to win their final Group A fixture to advance. Both sides move onto one point, two behind co-hosts Mexico and South Korea, who face off later on Thursday. South Africa next face South Korea, while the Czech Republic take on the daunting task of playing Mexico in the Estadio Azteca. Both sides started with disappointing performances and defeats on the World Cup's opening day, but the Czechs quickly set about making amends. Patrik Schick is the biggest name in a Czech side lacking the star quality of previous generations but the Bayer Leverkusen forward missed a glorious chance inside the first minute when he planted a header wide. Miroslav Koubek's men only had to wait another five minutes to take the lead. Adam Hlozek's cross was classily cushioned by Alexandr Sojka into the path of Sadilek, who calmly stroked the ball past Ronwen Williams. Now in their fourth attempt, South Africa have never progressed beyond the group stage at the World Cup. Hugo Broos has overseen an upturn in Bafana Bafana's fortunes since taking charge five years ago. The 2010 hosts had not qualified for the World Cup since 2002 but finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Their return to the global stage has exposed a lack of quality, though, particularly in forward areas. The Czechs were left to rue not making more of their chances to kill the game off early in the second half. Vladimir Darida took too long to get his shot off with a big chance before Lukas Cerv's long-range effort was tipped over by Williams. There were thousands of empty seats on show at the futuristic home of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, but those that were in attendance loudly booed the mid-half hydration breaks in an enclosed and air-conditioned stadium. The majority of the crowd were backing South Africa and finally had something to cheer seven minutes from time. Thapelo Maseko's shot hit the arm of the unfortunate Pavel Sulc and referee Tori Penso, part of an all-female officiating team, pointed to the spot. Mokoena confidently drilled home the spot-kick for his nation's first World Cup goal in 16 years. They came close to a second five minutes later when Matej Kovar saved from Relebohile Mofokeng. But both sides had to settle for a point that could yet prove vital come the end of Wednesday's final Group A games.
11 hours agoTeboho Mokoena's penalty kept South Africa's dream of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time alive after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday. The post South Africa, Czech Republic keep hopes alive after 1-1 draw appeared first on Vanguard News.
11 hours ago
Mexico vs South Korea at World Cup 2026: Group A clash and live updates
Mexico and South Korea meet in a Group A match at the 2026 World Cup, with both teams looking to build on victories from...
MLB proposes major CBA draft overhaul, including removing high school eligibility
Major League Baseball is proposing significant changes to its amateur draft as part of ongoing Collective Bargaining Agr...
Controversy surrounds reported costs and benefits of Barack Obama Presidential Library opening
Multiple reports describe a public opening event for the Barack Obama Presidential Library in Chicago and the backlash i...