What I Learnt from Bafana Bafana’s Historic Pursuit of a Lucky Draw
At the viewing centre last night, someone said South Africa has earned a heroic draw after courageously avoiding the goal. But I was kind enough (in favour of South Africa though) to caution him.
It is very true that their greatest goal threat on the night was the referee’s whistle which they miraculously converted but then, they have proven that you do not need chances when luck is available.
South Africa and Czechia put on a hilarious display of footballing minimalism in their 1-1 World Cup draw. Bafana Bafana masterfully conceded a goal just six minutes in, watching Michal Sadílek slide the ball home while the defense stood by like enthusiastic tour guides.
They then celebrated by completely refusing to take a single shot on target for the next hour and a half.
Instead of attacking, South Africa dominated possession by passing the ball in polite, unthreatening circles along the halfway line.
The Czechs fully respected this commitment to doing nothing by running out of gas and ideas themselves, turning the second half into a slow-motion staring contest.
Just as disaster loomed, a chaotic 83rd-minute handball penalty gifted Bafana Bafana their first real chance, which Teboho Mokoena calmly converted.
The referee finally ended the misery, leaving both teams to proudly celebrate a magnificent one point each after two matches.
South Africa cheered the draw like a trophy win, completely ignoring their massive 70% chance of failing to advance.
Next, they face a must-win match against South Korea without the suspended Mokoena, setting up yet another perfect tactical disaster.
