South Africa Draws with Czech Republic; Key Midfielder Out for Match Against Korea

[Anchor]

South Africa, our national team's opponent in the third match, drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic after a late penalty kick equalizer, leaving them at the bottom of the group. With their hopes for the Round of 32 still 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 officiated by 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.

A single long throw-in from the Czech Republic instantly broke through the flank defense, and as the defenders scrambled near the penalty arc, they allowed a left-footed shot from the Czech Republic's Sadilek, losing control of the game.

In the 33rd minute of the first half, Mokoena received a yellow card for a reckless tackle, resulting in a suspension that rules him out of our third match due to accumulated warnings. South Africa launched a relentless offensive afterward but struggled to break through the Czech defense, often thwarted by the goalkeeper's saves, before finally leveling 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, leading to a penalty kick, which Mokoena calmly converted to equalize.

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

[Hugo Broos / Head Coach, 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 give them a record of one win, one draw, and one loss, keeping their hopes of advancing to the Round of 32 alive, Coach Broos expressed his determination to win.

[Hugo Broos / Head Coach, 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.]

Following the three-match suspension of Zwane, who was sent off against Mexico, South Africa now faces a crisis in their midfield strategy as Mokoena is also confirmed to miss the match against Korea.

(Video Editing: Jeon Min-gyu)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.