Expert Picks

If FIFA world No. 44 Czechia hopes to advance, it better not lose to No. 61 South Africa. Both lost their opening match but Czechia played well against Korea, while South Africa was dominated by Mexico. Both could be eliminated with a loss depending on what happens in the group's other match. RSA is down two key players in Sphephelo Sithole (had to double-check the spelling and typing of that last name, that's for sure) & Themba Zwane after both got red cards against Mexico. These countries have only faced each other once before -- a 2-2 draw in the 1997 Confederations Cup.

Czechia lost to South Korea in their World Cup opener, but I actually liked a lot of what I saw. They were dangerous on set pieces, and they were meticulous in the build-up. South Korea eventually overwhelmed them and scored multiple goals, but this is a much better matchup. South Africa have struggled to defend set pieces, and Czechia should have a clear physical edge in those moments. Czechia should be able to overpower them and score multiple goals. This becomes a must-win. A loss and they are likely out of the World Cup.

South Africa were comprehensively outplayed in their 2-0 defeat to Mexico on Matchday 1. Yaya Sithole and Thema Zwane were both sent off in that game, so they'll now be suspended for this crucial match against Czechia. The Czechs also lost 2-1 to South Korea in their opener, but they were far more competitive than South Africa, and they have a strong chance of winning this game if they can create chances for star forward Patrik Schick.