World Cup: Bundesliga quartet and Hannover’s defender feature in stalemate between Czechia and South Africa

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World Cup: Bundesliga quartet and Hannover’s defender feature in stalemate between Czechia and South Africa

South Africa and Czech Republic earned their first points of the 2026 World Cup with an uninspiring draw. Bayer Leverkusen's striker Patrick Schick and three Hoffenheim players – Vladimír Coufal, Robin Hranáč and Adam Hložek – played from the start for the European side.

Hannover’s center-back Ime Okon also played the entire game in South Africa’s side. In a game of few chances, Czechia looked to secure a massive three points until they conceded a late penalty-kick. Co-hosts Mexico and South Korea will stay as group leaders, with a win today for either side securing a Round of 32 spot.

Michael Sadilek's first international goal since 2023 put Czechia in front in the sixth minute. South Africa earned a point when substitute Pavel Šulc penalised for a handball with less than ten minutes left on the clock. Teboho Mokoena, who will miss the game against South Korea after being cautioned in both the first two matches, scored from the resulting penalty-kick.

Former Bundesliga players Matěj Kovář and Vladimír Darida were also in Czechia's starting XI. American referee Tori Penso became only the second woman to officiate at the men's World Cup. Stephanie Frappart was the trailblazer when she officiated Germany’s last game of the 2022 World Cup against Costa Rica.

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