World Cup: Czechia draw, Switzerland cruise

Matchday Two of the World Cup started with goals aplenty, highlighted by Switzerland's big 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Get the latest on how the stars of Ligue 1 McDonald's performed with our World Cup roundup

Czechia 1-1 South Africa

In a Group A match played in Atlanta, Czechia failed to capitalize on their early dominance, and were pegged back by a late goal. Despite Olympique Lyonnais winger Pavel Šulc being left on the bench, the Czechs dominated play early doors. It was their pressing, along with slack play at the back, that allowed them to open the scoring on just six minutes, with Michal Sadliek pouncing on a loose ball before beating Ronwen Williams from the edge of the area. 

South Africa would grow into the match from there, but despite showing more purpose, their quality was often found lacking. Halftime would come with the same 1-0 scoreline, and after the break Patrick Shick had a pair of presentable chances, but failed to really test Williams with either. With ten minutes to play, Czechia would be made to pay for their profligacy, as a contentious decision resulted in a handball and a penalty. Coolly converted by Teboho Mokoena, it brought the game level. Czechia would have the best of the latter stages and added time, but failed to find a breakthrough, meaning they'll have it all to do against hosts Mexico on Wednesday. As for South Africa, they'll be happy with a point and will face South Korea with their destiny still in their own hands as regards their progress into the knockout rounds.  

Breel Embolo. 🇨🇭💯 pic.twitter.com/v4X7wjvAcs

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) June 18, 2026

Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina

In a Group B match in Los Angeles, Switzerland turned in a bravura performance to shake off their shock draw against Qatar and take control of the group. Stade Rennais striker Breel Embolo was back in the eleven, and after having scored in the Swiss' opening match he here contributed with an assist. After a cagy first half finished scoreless, the floodgates opened for La Nati in the second half. Johan Manzambi opened the scoring on 74 minutes, and Bosnia had a man sent off, which led to the Swiss piling on the goals, with Granit Xhaka and Rubén Vargas also getting on the scoresheet. While Switzerland are now in good shape in the group ahead of facing Canada, Bosnia have it all to do against Qatar as they'll look to secure third place. 

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