Czech Republic captain Ladislav Krejci bailed out goalkeeper Matej Kovar after a critical error nearly gifted South Africa an equaliser during their Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game, played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 18, was essentially a knockout match for two teams already staring down early elimination.
Both sides entered the contest desperate for points. Czechia lost their tournament opener 2-1 to South Korea, while South Africa fell 2-0 to co-host Mexico. A second consecutive defeat for either team would almost certainly end their World Cup campaign before the final group stage fixture.
Kovar’s mistake and Krejci’s rescue
The pivotal moment came when Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar committed an error that opened the door for South Africa to draw level. Krejci, wearing the captain’s armband, stepped in to clear the danger and deny what looked like a certain South African equaliser.
Two teams with everything to lose
