Group stage · Group A · #25
Czech Republic v South Africa
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
The goals, minute by minute
- 6'Michal SadílekGoal · 1-0
- 83'Teboho MokoenaPenalty · 1-1
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Czechia (41st FIFA) vs South Africa (60th FIFA)
Level of the teams
- Czechia: a competitive European block, with Patrik Schick as the goal reference. Main rival of South Korea for 2nd in the group.
- South Africa: a dynamic, physical team looking to spring a surprise.
Key factors
- Czechia has more resources and individual pedigree.
- South Africa is intense and fast in transition.
- Key match for 2nd place behind Mexico.
Prediction
Most likely result: 1-0 Czechia (alternative: 2-1 Czechia)
- Czechia win: 54%
- Draw: 25%
- South Africa win: 21%
Player to watch: Patrik Schick, Czechia's penalty-box killer.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium
Czechia is the favorite on level and pedigree (Captain AI 54%), but South Africa can trouble them with intensity. A narrow Czech win.