Czech Republic and South Africa, both beaten in their Group A openers, kicked off the second round of the World Cup on Thursday in a match with major implications for the knockout race. The winner would take a big step toward the next stage, while the loser could be effectively finished. The Czech side entered after a 2-1 loss to South Korea and looked to bounce back behind striker Patrick Schick, with five changes to the lineup and midfielder Tomas Soucek left out. Defender David Jurasek was injured and ruled out for the rest of the tournament.
South Africa came in after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mexico. Coach Hugo Broos had to cope without suspended players Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane, and Tlalente Mbatha was promoted into the starting eleven. South Africa was also trying to end a six-match World Cup winless streak.
The match was played Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and was refereed by U.S. official Tori Penso. The Czech Republic lined up in a 3-5-2 formation under coach Miroslav Koubek, while South Africa used a 4-3-3 under Broos. In the opening minute, Schick headed a good chance wide and said he had been blinded by the stadium lights.
In the group standings before the match, Mexico and South Korea were level on three points after one game, while Czech Republic and South Africa had zero. The next Group A matches are Mexico versus South Korea on June 19 in Spopen, Czech Republic versus Mexico on June 25 in Mexico City, and South Africa versus South Korea on June 25 in Guadalupe.
