World Cup 2026: Czech Republic banking on set-piece “weapon” ahead of South Africa clash

Czech Republic assistant coach Jan Rezek has highlighted set-pieces as a key tactical weapon his side will rely on as they prepare to face South Africa in their next FIFA World Cup group match.

The Europeans opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to South Korea last week and are now under pressure to respond with a victory.

Their next test comes against Bafana Bafana, who also began their tournament on the back foot after a 2-0 loss to hosts Mexico.

Rezek believes the Czechs’ strength in dead-ball situations could prove decisive.

“We pay a lot of attention to them, we’ve changed our form a bit now, but of course we know that we’re strong in it, which was also shown in the match against Korea, when we had another goal ruled out for offside,” he said via the Czech national team’s official website.

“Of course, we want to score goals from set pieces, but set pieces are an important part of today’s football.

“I don’t think we’re intensifying the preparation. We know that we have players who can upset any team from set pieces, at least in our group.”

Both sides will be desperate for a first win as they look to keep their qualification hopes alive in a tightly contested group.