Point sharing after controversial handball

A disputed handball call in the closing stages led to a penalty that leveled the match at 1-1 between Czechia and South Africa, leaving fans and experts debating the referee's decision. The penalty was converted by Teboho Mokoena, negating what had looked like a certain three points for the Czechs.

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I think Pavel Sulc's arm is in. I'm unsure if that's a penalty.

Commentators expressed uncertainty about the handball. Former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith questioned the call on BBC, stating, "I think Pavel Sulc's arm is in. I'm unsure if that's a penalty." Former England defender Stephen Warnock agreed, saying, "I don't think it's a penalty. There's not much Sulc can do there. He has his arms close to his body." Notably, there was no VAR review of the incident.

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I don't think it's a penalty. There's not much Sulc can do there. He has his arms close to his body.

Czechia had taken an early lead in the fifth minute through Michal Sadilek after a defensive lapse by South Africa. However, South Africa's offense struggled throughout the match. NRK expert Carl-Erik Torp criticized South Africa's defensive performance on the first goal, calling it "too easy" and not "World Cup level." He later added that South Africa was "by far the closest" to winning but lacked finishing ability.

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It becomes too easy. South Africa's defense here is not World Cup level.

Both teams entered the match without points after difficult opening games. Czechia lost 2-1 to South Korea, while South Africa fell 2-0 to Mexico. With only three group stage matches, this game was critical for both sides. While a draw might offer some value, a win would have significantly improved their chances of advancing in the tournament format, where the top two teams in each group and the eight best third-place teams progress.

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South Africa was by far the closest. Had they been better at finishing, they would have won this match.