Teboho Mokoena’s nerveless late penalty rescued a vital point for Bafana Bafana as they battled to a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta, breathing life back into South Africa’s World Cup campaign when it threatened to flatline.
After the opening-day hammering at the Estadio Azteca against co-hosts Mexico, this was exactly the response Hugo Broos demanded. The draw leaves both nations locked on one point, two adrift of South Korea who were beaten 1-0 by Mexico. Crucially, Bafana’s fate remains in their own hands.
It wasn’t the dream start South Africa craved, though. The Czechs flew out of the traps, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick somehow planting a free header wide inside the opening minute. But Miroslav Koubek’s side needed just five more minutes to make amends when Michal Sadilek coolly slotted past Ronwen Williams after Alexandr Sojka’s classy cushioned pass.
Broos was quick to identify the defensive lapse that gifted the Czechs their opener. “We made one mistake; one mistake everyone knows the number five is showing very far and still in the beginning of the game,” the Belgian tactician told SABC Sport, his frustration evident despite the overall positive display.
Contrasting styles on show
The match showcased two vastly different footballing philosophies. Whilst the physically imposing Czechs relied on route-one tactics, launching balls forward for their towering forwards, Bafana demonstrated the technical quality that has marked Broos’s five-year tenure.
“The Czechia team is very powerful and very tall also you saw also they just kicked the ball in front and hope someone tall head the ball and push it back,” Broos observed. “But we did it very well, the second-ball several times for us so again a fantastic performance.”
The Czech boss admitted his side should have killed the contest. “If we score the second goal, it would be the end of the match,” Koubek lamented.
Spot kick salvation
With seven minutes remaining, Thapelo Maseko’s shot struck Pavel Sulc’s arm and referee Tori Penso, pointed to the spot. Mokoena stepped up and confidently drilled home South Africa’s first World Cup goal in 16 years, sparking wild celebrations amongst the sizeable South African contingent at the futuristic Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Relebohile Mofokeng nearly snatched a dramatic winner five minutes later, but Matej Kovar produced a crucial save to preserve the stalemate.
“I think we deserved more today because we played a very good game,” Broos said. “But if we go on like that, and if we can make another performance like today, I think we have a chance to go in the second round.”
Bafana now face South Korea in their final group encounter, whilst the Czechs must travel to the hostile Azteca to face Mexico. For South Africa, it’s simple, match this performance and victory is possible. After 16 years in the wilderness, the knockout stages beckon.
