South Africa remain in contention for a place in the World Cup knockout stages after battling back to earn a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A.
A late penalty from Teboho Mokoena secured a crucial point for Bafana Bafana on Thursday, keeping their hopes of progressing alive ahead of a decisive final group match against South Korea.
The result leaves South Africa with one point from their opening two matches and facing what is likely to be a must-win encounter in Monterrey next week if they are to reach the last 32.
Head coach Hugo Broos praised the determination shown by his players after they recovered from an early setback against the Europeans.
South Africa made the worst possible start when Michal Sadilek gave the Czech Republic the lead after just six minutes. The goal came from a long throw-in situation that Broos revealed his team had specifically prepared for before the game.
Despite conceding early, the African side gradually grew into the contest and continued to push for an equaliser throughout the second half.
Their persistence was finally rewarded seven minutes from time when Mokoena converted a penalty to rescue a point.
Reflecting on the performance, Broos expressed satisfaction with much of what he saw from his players despite the defensive lapse that led to the opening goal.
“I think that we played a very good game today except for one moment in the beginning of the first half, where we weren’t concentrating, not focused, and you know, at World Cup level, if you make a mistake, you pay the price,” Broos told reporters.
The veteran Belgian coach felt South Africa were the better side for long periods and deserved more from the contest.
“Besides that mistake, but I think I saw a very, very good game. During the second half, we were constantly in the Czechs’ and the only thing they did was play long balls to their tall strikers in front,” he said.
The draw provides encouragement for South Africa, who had also suffered defeat in their opening group fixture.
Another loss would have left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread, but the late equaliser means they remain firmly in the race for a place in the next round.
Broos believes the display against the Czech Republic can serve as a blueprint heading into their final group game.
“So, I think we deserved more today because sometimes you need a little bit of luck. But if we go on like that and if we can make another performance like today, I think we have a chance to go to the second round,” the coach added.
Attention now turns to South Korea, who stand between South Africa and a potential place in the knockout stage.
Broos expects a different challenge from the Asian side compared with the physical battle posed by the Czech Republic.
“They have a few key players in the team. Again, it will be a tough game, but in another way,” added Broos.
“Today it was a tough game because of the physicality of the Czechs, but against South Korea, it will be more about discipline in the group and also their powerful running.”
For South Africa, the equation is becoming increasingly clear.
After showing resilience to recover against the Czech Republic, Bafana Bafana must now produce another strong performance against South Korea if they are to continue Africa’s representation in the tournament’s knockout rounds.
