Czech Republic prepares for crucial match against South Africa
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 8:07 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Czech Republic captain Ladislav Krejci stated that the team's upcoming match against South Africa on Thursday is critical after both sides lost their opening games in the World Cup. The Czechs fell 2-1 to South Korea, and South Africa lost 2-0 to Mexico while finishing with nine men. A win could propel either team into contention for the knockout stages, as only one victory might be sufficient to advance. Coach Miroslav Koubek emphasized the importance of the match for the team's future and the inspiration it could provide young players. The Czechs are competing in their first World Cup in 20 years and hope to regain their previous stature on the international stage.
- •Czech Republic lost 2-1 to South Korea in their first match.
- •South Africa lost 2-0 to Mexico, finishing with nine men.
- •A single win could allow advancement to the knockout stage.
- •Both teams are seeking redemption after poor opening performances.
- •Czech Republic aims to inspire future talents through World Cup experience.
- 6:11 PMYahoo Sports — Czech Republic and South Africa draw 1-1 at World Cup
- 8:07 PMYahoo Sports — Czechs eye World Cup liftoff against South Africa
"The Czech Republic were held 1-1 by South Africa at the World Cup on Thursday which keeps the chances of both teams intact to reach the knock-out stages. Michal Sadilek opened the scoring for the Czechs in the sixth minute, set up by Aleksandr Sojka after a long throw-in from Vladimir Coufal had caused havoc in the South Africa defence.
"Czech Republic captain Ladislav Krejci said Thursday's showdown with South Africa will determine the World Cup fate of both teams after they lost in the opening round.South Africa ended with nine men in a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico, while the Czechs were beaten 2-1 by South Korea despite Krejci opening the scoring.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 6:11 PMCzech Republic and South Africa draw 1-1 at World Cup
The Czech Republic were held 1-1 by South Africa at the World Cup on Thursday which keeps the chances of both teams intact to reach the knock-out stages. Michal Sadilek opened the scoring for the Czechs in the sixth minute, set up by Aleksandr Sojka after a long throw-in from Vladimir Coufal had caused havoc in the South Africa defence.
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 8:07 PMCzechs eye World Cup liftoff against South Africa
Czech Republic captain Ladislav Krejci said Thursday's showdown with South Africa will determine the World Cup fate of both teams after they lost in the opening round.South Africa ended with nine men in a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico, while the Czechs were beaten 2-1 by South Korea despite Krejci opening the scoring.
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