After a disappointing defeat to Mexico in their World Cup opener, Bafana Bafana now head into a make-or-break match against Czechia.
A win or draw will keep South Africa firmly believing that they could progress further in the tournament, while another defeat would only leave them with a slim chance of avoiding an early flight home.
Coach Hugo Broos described this clash as a massive moment following the defeat to tournament co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the global event a few days ago.
“It will be a very important game tomorrow. If you do not lose you still have a chance, but if you lose, then it will be decided by calculations based on what happens in the other groups. For me this game is decisive and important, and if you lose it will be very difficult,” he said.
Bafana and Czechia are still searching for their maiden points in this tournament and the showdown in Atlanta, is expected to deliver fireworks as the two teams seek to reduce the gap between them and group leaders Mexico and second-placed South Korea (both are on three points).
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If South Africa loses today, here is how the math keeps them alive:
- The standings situation: Bafana would remain on 0 points, while Czechia would move to 3 points. Group rivals Mexico and South Korea already have 3 points each.
- The final matchday lifeline: Even if South Africa loses today, they could theoretically beat South Korea in their final group match to finish with 3 points.
- The Goal Difference Factor: Depending on how the other group matches play out, finishing third in the group with 3 points could be enough to squeeze into the World Cup knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams.