Czechia 1-0 South Africa at half-time

Czechia lead South Africa 1-0 at half-time after Sadilek’s fifth-minute goal. Czechia began like they meant it and forged in front, but the match has been more even since and, as one observer put it, the second half should be decent, as desperation sets in.

South Africa’s display has often felt tepid, with hydration breaks giving it the feel of a pre-season friendly and the team at times looking devoid of ideas about how to score. Chances have come and gone — Schick plopped a tame header into Williams’s arms, Mudau’s deliveries were blocked, and Mokoena produced a brilliant interception to deny a second — while fouls and bookings punctuated play.

Both sides have made changes in the second half: SA sent on Mofokeng for Adams, and later Makgopa replaced Rayners, with Soucek and Provod coming on for Sadilek and Hlozek for Czechia. The match heads into its final phase with South Africa chasing an equaliser and Czechia protecting their lead.

czechia, south africa, sadilek, half-time, goal, schick, mokoena, makgopa, soucek, hlozek