06/18/26 01:30:00
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06/18 13:28 CDT South Africa keeps its World Cup hopes alive with a 1-1 draw
against the Czech Republic
South Africa keeps its World Cup hopes alive with a 1-1 draw against the Czech
Republic
By JAMES ROBSON
AP Soccer Writer
ATLANTA (AP) --- Teboho Mokoena started the game with tears in his eyes and
finished it with a smile on his face after converting a second-half penalty in
South Africa's 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic on Thursday at the World Cup.
Thapelo Maseko's long range shot late in the match caught the hand of Pavel
Sulc in the area.
Mokoena, who was caught on camera with tears rolling down his cheeks during the
pre-game national anthem, stepped up to the penalty spot and sent his shot low
past Czech Republic goalkeeper Matej Kovar in the 83rd minute.
Michal Sadilek had given the Czechs the lead in the sixth minute at
Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Alexandr Sojka played in Sadilek and he slid a shot past
goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Both teams lost their opening matches, and both knew another setback would
seriously hinder their chances of reaching the round of 32.
South Africa faced some strong criticism following its 2-0 loss to co-host
Mexico, which raised the prospect of the country extending its run of never
having advanced to the knockout phase of a World Cup --- even as host in 2010.
The Czechs lost to South Korea 2-1 in their opening game.
Both teams still have a chance to advance to the round of 32 from Group A.
South Africa will next face South Korea on Wednesday, while the Czech Republic
will take on Mexico at the same time.
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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup
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