Bafana Bafana have everything to play for when they take on Czech Republic later this week.
South Africa suffered a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in their opening Group A encounter, while South Korea edged the Czech Republic 2-1 in the group’s other fixture.
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As a result, both Bafana Bafana and the Czech Republic find themselves under immediate pressure heading into their second FIFA World Cup match.
With qualification hopes already hanging in the balance, neither side can afford another setback.
BAFANA BAFANA VS CZECH REPUBLIC: DATE AND KICK-OFF TIME
Bafana Bafana will face the Czech Republic in Atlanta, United States on Thursday, 18 June.
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 (SA time).
THREE POINTS COULD REVIVE SOUTH AFRICA’S FIFA WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN
Following their opening round defeats, both teams know the importance of securing a positive result.
Mexico currently lead Group A on three points after their victory over South Africa.
Thereafter, South Korea sit second after overcoming the Czech Republic.
The two sides are separated only by goal difference, with Mexico boasting a +2 advantage compared to South Korea’s +1.
That leaves Czech Republic (third) South Africa (fourth) with two matches remaining.
Historically, four points will be enough to secure progression from a World Cup group – particularly when the eight (of 12) best-performing third-placed teams also advance to the knockout stages.
However, that margin for error is rapidly disappearing for both nations.
Control of their own destiny
A victory would not only revive both sides’ qualification hopes, but also place them in control of their own destiny heading into the final group stage fixture.
A draw would keep both teams alive, although it would leave qualification dependent on other results.
Coach Hugo Broos and his men will therefore be targeting all three points. A win over Czech Republic would breathe new life into South Africa’s campaign.
DO YOU THINK BAFANA BAFANA CAN PULL OFF A WIN OVER CZECH REPUBLIC?
Give us your predictions in the comments section below …