The Czech Republic and South Africa are back in action at the World Cup, and Thursday’s clash in Atlanta is a must-win for both nations as they look to salvage their respective campaigns.
South Africa’s opening match against co-hosts Mexico ended in humiliation, with the team reduced to nine men and squandering a lead in the process. Similarly, the Czech Republic suffered a narrow defeat against South Korea, which has put both teams under immense pressure to perform.
The Czech Republic will likely rely on their physicality and playmaking talent to outmaneuver a struggling South Africa side. With a win, the Europeans could take a significant step towards securing a spot in the knockout stages.
South Africa, on the other hand, will need to improve drastically from their previous performance if they hope to cause an upset. Keeping 11 players on the field will be their top priority, as they look to overcome a streetwise Czech outfit.
Thursday’s match is a must-win for the Czech Republic, who can ill afford another defeat if they hope to progress in the tournament.
While both countries will have been discouraged by their previous results, the Czech Republic will likely be more encouraged. Despite losing to South Korea, Miroslav Koubek’s men caused problems in set-piece situations and had periods of dominance.
The Czech Republic are expected to be the driving force behind Thursday’s clash, especially given South Africa’s abject performance last time out.
Hugo Broos’ side lacks quality and attacking flair, which will make it difficult for them to overcome a physical Czech team. The absence of two suspended first-team players only adds to their woes.
In the battle between two 74-year-old managers, Koubek is likely to emerge victorious.
South Africa’s struggles: Broos’ players were simply awful against Mexico. Frequent lapses in concentration left them exposed defensively, while they created little or nothing in the final third – even when they had their full complement on the pitch. South Africa managed just two shots on goal and a pitiful expected goals total of 0.07. Czech physicality: Koubek doesn’t boast a lot of technique, but plays to his team’s strengths, emphasizing aggression, set-pieces and feeding his taller players with crosses. South Africa, who conceded a header against Mexico, will struggle to cope with the Czech Republic’s direct approach.
Prediction: Czech Republic 2–0 South Africa
Koubek has resisted the temptation to make changes to his lineup, and the Czech Republic could name the same team that faced South Korea.
Patrik Schick will be the main attacking threat for the Czech Republic, while Tomáš Souček will provide attacking support from deliveries.
Lukáš Provod and Pavel Šulc are expected to keep their places behind Schick in Koubek’s 3-4-2-1 formation.
Matěj Kovář won’t expect to be as busy at the other end of the pitch, given the Czech Republic’s attacking prowess.
Lineup predicted Czech Republic vs. South Africa (3-4-2-1): Kovář; Chaloupek, Hranáč, Krejčí; Coufal, Souček, Sojka, Zelený; Provod, Šulc; Schick.
South Africa will have to make changes to their squad after red cards led to suspensions for the game against the Czech Republic.
Thalente Mbatha could replace Sphephelo Sithole in the center of the pitch, while Themba Zwane will return to the lineup in the attacking midfielder role.
Hugo Broos could return to a 4-3-3 system, which could see Nkosinathi Sibisi make way in the heart of the defense.
South Africa vs Czech Republic predicted line-up (4-3-3): Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha, Adams; Appolis, Foster, Mofokeng.
Czech Republic vs South Africa will be broadcast on various channels in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
Location: Atlanta, United States Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Date: Thursday, June 18 Kickoff Time: 12 pm ET / 9 am. PT / 17:00 BST Referee: Tori Penso (USA)
The match will be available to stream on fuboTV, Telemundo, and the FOX Network in the United States.
In Canada, the match will be broadcast on TSN+, TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, and TSN5.
Mexico will have access to the match on ViX Mexico.
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer.
The Czech Republic makes a massive leap towards the last 32 if they can secure a win against South Africa.
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MORE: Complete list of worldwide broadcasters for Czech Republic vs. South Africa
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