Czech Republic had effective finishing, South Africa struggled despite superior possession.
In the first half, the European representatives started at a fast pace and quickly scored the opening goal in the 6th minute. From a cross by Adam Hlozek on the right wing, the South African defense mishandled the ball, allowing Michal Sadilek to easily tap it in from close range.
After conceding a goal, South Africa tried to push forward and regain control of the game. However, opportunities created by Maseko, Appollis, and Mokoena lacked accuracy. Even their best chance in injury time, when goalkeeper Kovar fumbled the ball, was not capitalized on by the African team.
Statistics show the difference lies in efficiency. Despite only having 39% possession, the Czech Republic created 3 major chances and achieved an xG of 0.82, far exceeding South Africa's 0.26. The European team proactively ceded control of the game but were always dangerous on the counter-attack.
After the first 45 minutes, South Africa controlled possession for 63% of the first half, but still went into halftime trailing 0-1 against the Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic quickly slowed down the pace, allowing their opponents to dominate and ultimately suffering a painful defeat from a penalty kick.
In the remaining half, the Czech Republic seemed poised to hold onto their slender lead after more than 80 minutes of disciplined play, but a moment of lapse in concentration cost the European side dearly.
With the advantage of a goal lead, the Czech Republic continued to create more dangerous opportunities. Schick quickly tested goalkeeper Williams with an accurate header, before Krejci and Sadilek repeatedly threatened the South African goal from set pieces and long-range shots.
Despite only controlling the ball 39%, the European team still caused their opponents many difficulties thanks to their direct style of play and better ability to capitalize on opportunities. For most of the second half, South Africa held possession for 61% but were unable to break through the red-shirted defense.
Also in the latter half of the match, the Czech Republic unexpectedly showed a weak performance, deliberately conceding control of the game despite being a representative from European football.
As the match drew to a close, the turning point came in the 81st minute. Pavel Sulc handled the ball in the penalty area, earning South Africa a valuable penalty.
From the penalty spot, Teboho Mokoena calmly deceived goalkeeper Kovar, scoring the equalizer in the 83rd minute to make it 1-1.
After a long period of deadlock, the African representatives were finally rewarded with a valuable goal.
The goal boosted South Africa's morale in the final minutes. Mofokeng nearly staged a comeback with a powerful shot in the 88th minute, but Kovar made an excellent save.
In injury time, Moriba missed another golden opportunity when he shot wide of the goal despite having only the net in front of him.
It wasn't until the final minutes of added time, when both teams pushed forward in search of all three points, that the match truly became breathtaking with a series of dangerous opportunities.
After 90 tense minutes, South Africa salvaged a valuable point thanks to a penalty by Mokoena. With this result, both teams have 1 point each and still have a chance to advance.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/czech-bi-nam-phi-chia-diem-196260619011912557.htm
