World Cup 2026 decision divides opinion as – Sports News
Pavel Sulc was deemed to have dealt with the ball, leading to a controversial – and essential – penalty (Image: Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Fans have expressed frustration with the decision to grant South Africa a penalty during their World Cup draw with Czechia.
On Thursday, South Africa – who had two gamers despatched off of their opening defeat to Mexico – earned a 1-1 draw with Czechia.
After the European nation went forward simply six minutes in by means of Michal Sadilek, South Africa salvaged a level courtesy of Teboho Mokoena’s profitable penalty conversion. It comes as United States Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino sparked controversy by claiming that “American sports reward losers.”
While the purpose enabled South Africa to register their opening level of the match, the penalty decision triggered online controversy.
The handball ruling in opposition to Pavel Sulc appeared extraordinarily questionable, including to a World Cup marked by contentious officiating calls.
Teboho Mokoena defending in opposition to Sulc (Image: Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos, ISI Photos through Getty Images)
South Africa’s begin was tough as Michal Sadílek netted the 2026 World Cup’s quickest purpose to this point together with his sixth-minute end, giving Czechia an early benefit. South Africa pressed for an equalizer as Czechia unexpectedly dropped deep during the second half.
The Bafana Bafana ultimately capitalized with their initial shot on purpose. In the 81st minute, Thapelo Maseko’s effort hit Czechia midfielder Sulc – who had skilled a wardrobe malfunction in opposition to Korea – on the hand, and referee Tori Penso, who made historical past as the second girl ever to officiate a males’s World Cup fixture, awarded the penalty, reviews the Mirror US.
Initially, the decision appeared questionable. Sulc was positioned comparatively close to Maseko whereas pressuring him, and the ball made contact together with his left hand, which wasn’t significantly prolonged away from his physique.
However, a VAR review upheld the on-field decision for handball, leading to South Africa being awarded a penalty kick.
The match led to a 1-1 draw (Image: Getty)
Fans have expressed their frustration online, with many questioning the validity of the call.
“If that’s handball the game’s gone,” one consumer posted.
Others described it as “brutal” and “harsh,” whereas one other commented, “Come on, that’s too much for a handball on the 18-yard line from a hit and hope.”
“Bro how was that a handball,” one other consumer questioned.
One more added, “I am confused about that handball call..”
One fan was particularly upset by the ruling, as it had financial penalties, “Add a f—— handball to the bullshit list of ways I’ve lost a soccer bet the past 2 days.”
Mokoena took the penalty and efficiently transformed from 12 yards, securing a 1-1 draw for South Africa.
They require a victory in opposition to Korea of their closing group stage match to keep up hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds, whereas Czechia should defeat the co-hosts in Mexico City.
Both Czechia and South Africa return to motion on Wednesday, June 24.
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