Co-hosts Mexico scored three second-half goals to complete a perfect group record with a 3-0 win over a disappointing Czech Republic. Goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo made it three wins out of three for Mexico and condemned the Czechs to an early exit at the foot of Group A. Denis Visinsky flashed an early effort wide for the Czech Republic, but it was a rare opening in the first half in Mexico City.
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A late penalty from Teboho Mokoena secured South Africa a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atalanta, which keeps alive both sides’ hopes of qualification from Group A. After Patrik Schick headed an early chance wide at the far post, the Czechs – showing five changes from the 2-1 defeat to South Korea, including West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek dropped to the bench – took the lead in the sixth minute.
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Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu gave South Korea a winning start to the World Cup as they came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1. Oh struck 11 minutes from time after Hwang In-beom’s moment of magic had cancelled out Czech captain Ladislav Krejci’s header in Guadalajara. South Korea made the brighter start, Son Heung-min firing over with Lee Han-Beom heading over the bar before Paris St Germain’s Lee Kang-in forced a save from Matej Kovar with an effort from outside the box.
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Jan Kliment fired Czechia to within 90 minutes of the World Cup finals as they broke Republic of Ireland hearts in a dramatic penalty shootout to set up a showdown with Denmark. Ireland saw a 2-0 lead evaporate in Prague and again lead in the shootout but missed kicks from Finn Azaz and Alan Browne mean the long wait for an Irish return to the World Cup finals will continue.
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Cenk Tosun scored a stoppage-time winner as Turkey beat the Czech Republic in a fiery final group game to secure a last-16 tie against Austria. The Czechs needed to win Wednesday’s final group game to avoid being eliminated, and they pushed for victory in the tense closing stages. But they left gaps in defence and former Everton striker Tosun cut inside and drove a shot into the back of the net.
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