South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena led the celebrations after equalising against Czechia from the penalty spot. The midfielder’s goal rescued a point for his side in a match that saw coach Hugo Broos criticise the stadium and the physicality of their opponents.
Broos had responded to criticism over South Africa’s start to the World Cup by revealing a conversation with a friend about a statue. “Make it out of wood; that way it will burn more easily,” he said. After a 2-0 defeat to Mexico, they were minutes away from a second loss, but a penalty gave them hope.
Pavel Sulc was penalised for handball, and Mokoena converted the spot kick. The midfielder had tears during the national anthem but ended with a smile. Broos praised his team’s football but criticised the closed roof in Atlanta. “Only the grass is football, all the rest is not,” he said.
Czechia coach Miroslav Koubek disagreed with Broos’ assessment, saying his team was closer to victory. Both sides can still progress: South Africa need to beat South Korea, while Czechia must defeat Mexico.
The match started poorly for South Africa, with Patrik Schick missing an early chance. Czechia took the lead after five minutes through Michal Sadilek, following a throw-in and cross. South Africa struggled but created a few chances before half-time.
The second half saw Czechia seek to reassert control, but the game became cautious. South Africa grew into the contest, and the penalty arrived after Maseko’s shot hit Sulc’s arm. Mokoena scored, and a late flurry saw chances for both sides, including a save from David Zima in stoppage time.
