The case of qualifying for the “32” of the World Cup for the Czech Republic and South Africa is becoming even more difficult after tonight’s draw, 1-1, at the “Atlanta Stadium”, in the premiere of the 2nd matchday of the 1st group. The two teams were coming off the same number of defeats in the 1st matchday against South Korea and Mexico, so the following matches will have the character of a “final” for both.

It should be noted that today was the first meeting between the two teams in a World Cup final. The only previous one was in 1997, when they drew (2-2) in the group stage of the FIFA Confederations Cup.

The Czech Republic opened the scoring early at Atlanta Stadium through Michal Sadilek. The Sparta Prague midfielder set up Williams in an exemplary manner and with his second goal for the national team, he “opened his account” at the World Cup.

The Czechs’ quick goal forced the South Africans to open up and take the lead to equalize, knowing that a possible second defeat in the tournament could be fatal. However, Hugo Bros’ team was not particularly dangerous, so the first half found the Czechs in the lead.

The second 45 minutes were a very poor affair in terms of quality, with neither team creating any clear-cut chances. However, in the 83rd minute, South Africa equalised with a penalty kick from Mokoena, following a foul by Schultz (hand). 

Referee : T. Penso (USA)
Yellow cards: Krejci – Empatha, Mokoena
    
The lineups: 

CZECH REPUBLIC (Miroslav Kubek): Kovar, Holes, Hranac, Krejci, Chufal, Sandilek (67′ Sucek), Cerv (78′ Zima), Sojka (55′ Zeleny), Hlozek (67′ Provod), Darinda (55′ Schulz), Sik

SOUTH AFRICA (Hugo Bros): Williams, Mundo, Okon, Ebokazi, Modiba, Mbatha, Mokoena, Adams (46′ Mofokeng), Rayners (66′ McGora), Apolis, Maseko (83′ Sebelebele)