Czechia's World Cup hopes suffer setback after South Africa draw

Czechia's hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage took a significant hit after a 1-1 draw with South Africa in its second Group A match in Atlanta. The result leaves the Czechs with just one point from two games following an opening 2-1 defeat to South Korea.

Michal Sadílek put Czechia ahead after six minutes with the fastest goal of the tournament so far. However, the Czechs were unable to hold on to their lead and Teboho Mokoena equalised from the penalty spot seven minutes from time.

The draw earned Czechia its first point of the tournament but left its qualification hopes hanging in the balance. Czechia face hosts Mexico in their final group match next week in Mexico City and will likely need a victory to keep their World Cup campaign alive. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed sides advance to the knockout rounds.