Koubek's Czechia held 1–1, World Cup hopes hang in the balance

Group A on a knife-edge after draw with South Africa

Your team needed a win Friday, and they did not get it. Czechia 1–1 South Africa in the second group match, and the result leaves Group A wide open (1) (2). Teboho Mokoena converted a penalty late in the second half to level for South Africa, their first World Cup goal in 16 years.

Czechia pushed for a winner, and a massive South African chance in the seventh minute of stoppage time nearly broke your hearts entirely. Miroslav Koubek's side now sit on one point with one match remaining.

Koubek had words for the cameraman

The tension was visible, and not just on the pitch. Coach Miroslav Koubek was caught on camera telling a cameraman to back off during the match. The moment lit up social media and captured the mood: this was a nervy, grinding night for everyone in Czech colours.

South Korea and Mexico set the bar

Czechia lost their opener 1–2 to South Korea, a match decided by two late goals from the Asian side (2). South Africa came into this match off a 0–2 defeat to Mexico in their opener, a game where they finished with two red cards (2).

Mexico and South Korea both have three points. Your final group match now becomes a must-win to keep knockout hopes alive.

Fan-reaktioner

The mood online is split between frustration and disbelief. Czechia supporters were buzzing after taking the lead, but Mokoena's penalty silenced a lot of that optimism, one thread lit up with shock that South Africa had finally scored at a World Cup after 16 years. Another post capturing a South African chance deep in stoppage time had fans holding their breath. Watch the Mokoena penalty thread.