Czechia took an early lead against South Africa in Atlanta on Thursday evening, as Lukas Sadilek scored from the centre of the box in the sixth minute of their World Cup group fixture. The goal came moments after Patrik Schick had headed wide from a free header at the back post, a chance the Bayer Leverkusen striker admitted he should have done better with.
The match, the first of the day at the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, saw Miroslav Koubek switch his side's formation to a 5-3-2, with Adam Hlojek partnering Schick up front. South Africa's Hugo Broos also changed to a 4-3-3 after their 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the opening round.
“Czechia lead South Africa 1-0 after Sadilek's early goal in Atlanta.”
England, who began their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday, will face Ghana on Tuesday. Harry Kane scored twice, with Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also on the scoresheet for Thomas Tuchel's side. The Three Lions top Group H after the opening round of fixtures.
Later on Thursday, Switzerland face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Inglewood at 8pm BST, followed by Canada versus Qatar in Vancouver at 11pm, and Mexico take on South Korea in Zapopan at 2am BST.
South Africa's first attempt on goal came in the 12th minute when Appollis unleashed a shot from the edge of the box, but it took a deflection and ended on the wrong side of the side-netting.