South Africa Draws With Czech Republic; Key Midfielder to Miss Match Against South Korea

[Anchor]

South Africa, the third opponent for our national team, drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic after scoring a late penalty kick, leaving them at the bottom of the group. As their hopes for reaching the Round of 32 remain alive, they are expected to go all out in the final group stage match against us.

Report by Jeon Young-min.

[Reporter]

In a match featuring a female referee for only the second time in World Cup history, South Africa conceded the opening goal just six minutes into the first half.

The team's flank defense was breached instantly by a single long throw-in from the Czech Republic. While the defense scrambled near the penalty arc, they allowed a left-footed shot by the Czech Republic's Sadilek, surrendering the lead.

In the 33rd minute of the first half, Mokoena received a yellow card for a reckless tackle. With this accumulation of warnings, he is confirmed to miss the third match against us. Despite launching a relentless offensive afterward, South Africa struggled to break through the Czech defense, often thwarted by the goalkeeper, until they finally leveled the score in the 36th minute of the second half.

A long-range shot by Maseko struck the arm of the Czech Republic's Sulc, resulting in a penalty kick, which Mokoena calmly converted to equalize.

Having drawn 1-1, South Africa remains at the bottom of Group A, trailing the Czech Republic on goal difference.

[Hugo Broos / Head Coach of South Africa National Football Team: We played a very good game. Sometimes you need a little bit of luck in a game, and today, luck was not on our side.]

However, as a victory against our national team on the 25th would keep their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive with a record of one win, one draw, and one loss, Coach Broos expressed his determination to win.

[Hugo Broos / Head Coach of South Africa National Football Team: South Korea has excellent players, and some are key figures in their respective clubs. It will be a tough match. But if we show the same performance as we did today, I believe we have a chance to advance to the Round of 32.]

South Africa faces a crisis in their midfield lineup as Mokoena is now confirmed to miss the match against South Korea, joining Zwane, who is serving a three-match suspension following a red card in the game against Mexico.

Reported by Jeon Young-min | Video by Jeon Min-gyu
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.