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South Africa vs Czechia Player Ratings: Who Was the Man of the Match in the World Cup Game?

South Africa and Czechia played out a 1-1 draw in the second match of their World Cup campaign at the Atlanta stadium.

Both teams entered this second round of group fixtures desperate for points after suffering opening-match defeats. Czechia narrowly lost 2-1 to South Korea, while a nine-man South Africa side fell 2-0 to tournament co-hosts Mexico.

While South Africa dominated possession time and confidently built up plays they continued to struggle with final-third quality and failed to challenge the Czech goalkeeper.

Who Scored for South Africa ?

Thapelo Maseko's cross hit Pavel Šulc's arm from point-blank range in the 83rd minute and despite his arm appearing to be in a natural position, the referee awarded a penalty.

 ATLANTA, UNITED STATES - JUNE 18: Teboho Mokoena (4) of South Africa celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group A match between Czechia and South Africa at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium) in Atlanta, Georgia, United States on June 18, 2026. (Photo by Evrim Aydin/Anadolu via Getty Images) Photo by Evrim Aydin/Anadolu via Getty Images
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES - JUNE 18: Teboho Mokoena (4) of South Africa celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group A match between Czechia and South Africa at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium) in Atlanta, Georgia, United States on June 18, 2026. (Photo by Evrim Aydin/Anadolu via Getty Images) Photo by Evrim Aydin/Anadolu via Getty Images Photo by Evrim Aydin/Anadolu via Getty Images

Teboho Mokoena successfully converted the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and putting South Africa on level.

Who Scored for Czechia?

Czech midfielder Michal Sadílek scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far in the sixth minute, calmly lifting the ball over South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

South Africa vs Czechia Player Ratings

These postmatch player ratings from Athlon Sports are based on first-hand analysis while watching the match.

A one (1) is the worst possible score for a player who saw substantial minutes, while a 10 represents a stellar game-changing performance. A five (5) is average based on a player's role and expected contributions.

South Africa Player Ratings

  • Ronwen Williams - 6
  • Khuliso Mudau - 7
  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi - 7
  • Ime Okon - 7
  • Aubrey Modiba - 7
  • Jayden Adams - 6
  • Teboho Mokoena - 8
  • Thalente Mbatha - 6
  • Thapelo Maseko - 6
  • Iqraam Rayners - 6
  • Oswin Appollis - 7
  • Evidence Makgopa - 7
  • Relebohile Mofokeng - 6
  • Kamogelo Sebelebele - 6

Czechia Player Ratings

  • Matej Kovář - 6
  • Tomáš Holeš - 7
  • Ladislav Krejčí - 8 (Player of the Match)
  • Robin Hranáč - 7
  • Vladimír Coufal - 7
  • Alexandr Sojka - 7
  • Vladimír Darida - 7
  • Michal Sadílek - 7
  • Lukáš Červ - 7
  • Patrik Schick - 6
  • Adam Hložek - 6
  • Tomáš Souček - 6
  • Jaroslav Zelený - 6
  • Lukáš Provod - 6
  • David Zima - 6
  • Pavel Šulc - 6

Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 2:03 PM.

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