The 2-1 defeat to South Korea was a cold shower for the Czech Republic, but their European class should make a difference in the match against South Africa. The Africans started with a predictable 2-0 defeat to Mexico and look like the clear underdogs in Group A. In the FIFA rankings, the Czechs (40th) are 20 places higher than their opponents, and their squad, led by Patrik Schick and Tomáš Soucek, is head and shoulders above the South Africans, most of whom represent the local league.
The Czechs' problem in the first match was a slow start and missed chances, but against South Africa, who have never reached the knockout stages of a World Cup, they should make no mistakes. The South Africans played poorly against Mexico and are unlikely to put up a fight against a more skilled opponent. Given that both teams lost in the first round, the match will essentially be their "last chance," but the Czechs look more prepared to fight for points.
The Czech Republic has character—they overcame a challenging qualifying campaign, beating Denmark and Ireland in penalty shootouts. A cautious first half is expected, but the skill and superior individual quality of the Czech players will make a difference in the second half. Betting on the Czech Republic to score in either half and secure the victory seems the most logical option. South Africa's creative side is too limited to control the game for the full 90 minutes.
