Czechia played South Africa to a thrilling 1-1 draw in Atlanta on Thursday afternoon to kick off the day’s matches. Group A action continues tonight when Mexico takes on the Korea Republic at 9:00 PM/ET. Michal Sadílek scored for Czechia while Teboho Mokoena converted a late penalty for South Africa.
Czechia starting XI: Matej Kovar, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Vladimir Coufal, Ladislav Krejci (c), Vladimir Darida, Adam Hlozek, Patrik Schick, Lukas Cerv, Michal Sadilek, Alexandr Sojka
South Africa starting XI: Ronwen Williams (c), Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Aubrey Modiba, Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Iqraam Rayners, Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Jayden Adams
Czechia wasted no time in enforcing its attack. Midfielder Michal Sadílek put his side on the board in just six minutes after finding space inside the 18. With defenders converging on the midfielder two steps too late, Sadílek was quick to slot it home and open his World Cup goal account.
Outside of the action and excitement that took place, the fans let their true opinions show by booing at the start of both hydration breaks. With 67,442 in attendance, it’s a sound that couldn’t be ignored.
The only thing missing from this match was a South African goal. A goal for Bafana Bafana would tear the roof off of “Atlanta” Stadium and send the crowd into a frenzy. Thank God that happened in the 83rd minute of the match after a penalty shot was declared. Teboho Mokoena stepped up to the spot and sent a rocket past Matej Kovar to send shockwaves through the stadium.
After drawing the game level, the South Africans upped their intensity and threw even more numbers in attack. For the first time in the match, Czechia was kept on their heels. It makes one think, where was this intensity and hunger before the 83rd minute?
The main thing for South Africa is that today’s performance was a night-and-day difference from the tournament’s opener. At yesterday’s press conference, captain Ronwen Williams spoke on how down the team was; even with their silence, they still fought to continue. Even though today’s match ended in a draw, their performance as a team was a vast improvement.
“Definitely, so proud of the boys, that’s what carried us through today. That fight… that determination,” said Williams after the match. “We could’ve snatched one at the end, but it wasn’t to be. So hopefully we can take this into the next game and start like this and not start on the back foot.”
“Yea after that last game, the boys were down. But Sunday night, we did our analysis on the previous game, and the coach said Monday it’s time we turn the page. Slowly, the spirit has come back. Yesterday, on the way to training, we were singing; everyone was singing. And today in the training room, the spirit was there.”
South Africa will play their final Group A match against Korea Republic, while Czechia will face Mexico on Wednesday, June 24.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Eyoel Fassil
**Quotes forthcoming**