“A 1-1 draw felt like a fair result as the Czech Republic and South Africa walked out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday. It was not a good version of World Cup football, though. Both teams struggled to attack with any level of cohesion. In a group that features South Korea and co-hosts Mexico, the European and African sides look the weakest of the four.  Still, the 67,442 people who attended the match did not let the drab display ruin the mood. It was a festive atmosphere in Atlanta throughout the afternoon. If you’re hoping to read about expected goals, well, this wasn’t the best product from a statistical perspective. But a draw in this World Cup has kept both of these teams alive. …”
NYT/ATH
YouTube: Czechia vs South Africa Extended Highlights 🌎🏆 2026 FIFA World Cup