Czechia
Czechia ended a 20 year absence from the World Cup last Thursday with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to South Korea despite taking the lead through a Ladislav Krejci header .
Unfortunately for “Repre” they couldn’t hold on and conceded two late goals and find themselves in a perilous position in Group A knowing they still have co-hosts Mexico to play in the final group match.
Injuries & Team News
Czechia heads into this second group match in excellent physical shape. Manager Miroslav Koubek enjoys a fully fit squad with zero injuries or suspensions following their narrow 2-1 defeat against South Korea.
This clean bill of health allows the team to focus entirely on tactical adjustments. Czechia is expected to stick to its signature direct, highly physical style of play.
They will look to dominate the flanks and target their tall forwards with dangerous aerial crosses and long throw-ins. While Koubek generally prefers line-up stability, he might tweak his attack to spark more goals.
Hoffenheim forward Adam Hlozek is heavily tipped to join the starting eleven, likely replacing Pavel Sulc to partner alongside star striker Patrik Schick in attack.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-2 vs South Korea | W W W W W L |
Predicted Line-Up
Czechia (3-4-2-1)
Kovar; Hranac, Chaloupek,Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Sojka, Zeleny; Sulc, Provod; Schick
South Africa
It wasn’t the start to a fourth world cup appearance that South Africa were hoping for in the opening fixture vs Mexico, losing the match 2-0 and having Sphelphelo Sithole & Themba Zwane sent off
During the game they held there own for the most part but were punished for lapses in concentration for both of the Mexico goals.
After just 9 minutes Julian Quinones took advantage of Sithole’s lack of awareness and fired the Mexicans into the lead at a packed Azteca Stadiumin Mexico City.
Manager Hugo Broos has some tough decisions to make ahead of this second group match with 2 players suspended and the need to pick up a positive result. It won’t be easy as they are currently on a 6 match run without a win.
One glimmer of hope for Bafana Bafana is they have faired well against European nations at world cups and they beat France 2-1 last time they faced a team from Europe. Defeat here and it is highly likely they will suffer another group stage exit.
Injuries & Team News
South Africa faces major selection headaches ahead of their crucial World Cup clash.
Manager Hugo Broos must replace key midfielders Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole and Themba Zwane, who are both suspended after receiving red cards during Bafana Bafana’s chaotic 2-0 opening-match loss to co-hosts Mexico.
The loss of these two regular starters forces a massive reshuffle. Broos is expected to abandon his defensive five-back system and switch to an aggressive 4-3-3 formation instead.
Thalente Mbatha is tipped to anchor the center of the pitch. Exciting young wingers Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng are widely projected to enter the starting lineup to provide much-needed creative spark.
On a positive note, left-back Aubrey Modiba has fully recovered from a minor knock sustained in the opener and is cleared to play.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 0-2 vs Mexico | L D L D D L |
Predicted Line-Up
South Africa (4-2-3-1)
Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Adams, Mbatha; Appollis, Mokoena, Moremi; Foster
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Czechia Win | 17/20 (1.85) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 5/2 (3.50) | Dream Vegas |
| South Africa Win | 10/3 (4.33) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Czechia 2-0 South Africa
Czechia will be kicking themselves for letting the lead slip against South Korea, prior to that match they were on a 6 match unbeaten run and i expect they will have too much for South Africa