Czech Republic-South Africa settle for draw

Czech Republic and South Africa have drawn 1-1 in Group A at the 2026 World Cup.

The result leaves both teams without a win thus far, as each team has one match remaining in the group stage.

Michal Sadilek fired the Czechs into the lead in the sixth minute, tied for the earliest goal we've seen in this tournament so far. They led all the way until the 83rd minute, when Teboho Mokoena equalised from the penalty spot after Pavel Sulc was called for handball.

Czech Republic took the lead against South Korea in their opening match last week, only to concede twice and lose 2-1.

It was a similar story today, as they led for much longer this time but ultimately still conceded and had to settle for a draw.

That leaves the Czechs with just one point through two matches, when they could've had six.

The issue today wasn't defence, but rather the lack of a second goal for the Czechs.

Just like the 0-0 draw between Spain and Cape Verde the other day proved that you don't need goals for a soccer game to be entertaining, today's match sadly proved the opposite.

We eventually saw two goals here today, but the first 85 minutes or so of this match were a tough watch.

It was South Africa who looked the most likely to win it at the death and they have a lot of support inside the ground.

The result doesn't suit either team but one has to wonder why Czech Republic sat on their early lead and failed to push for a second.

Not a classic by any means and the penalty decision felt harsh on the Czechs.

Not enough quality in the final third from either side.