Teboho Mokoena started the game with tears in his eyes and finished it with a smile on his face after converting a second-half penalty in South Africa's 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic on Thursday at the World Cup.Thapelo Masekos long range shot late in the match caught the hand of Czech opponent Pavel Sulc in the area.Mokoena, who was shown on camera with tears rolling down his cheeks during the pre-game national anthem, stepped up to the penalty spot and sent his shot low past Czech Republic goalkeeper Matej Kovar in the 83rd minute.The South Africa midfielder said he was overwhelmed before kick off, thinking about his late grandfather.I know, wherever he is, he would be proud of me," Mokoena said. "I just felt his presence in that moment. I thought if he was here, he would be proud of me because I know he believed in me when nobody believed in me.Michal Sadilek had given the Czechs the lead in the sixth minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Alexandr Sojka played in Sadilek and he slid a shot past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Both teams lost their opening matches, and both knew another setback would seriously hinder their chances of reaching the round of 32.South Africa faced some strong criticism following its 2-0 loss to World Cup co-host Mexico, which raised the prospect of the country extending its run of never having advanced to the knockout phase of a World Cup even as host in 2010.If we go on like that and if we can make another performance like today I think we have a chance to go in the second round, South Africa coach Hugo Broos said.South Africa will next face South Korea on Wednesday in Group A, but will be without Mokoena, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament.The Czechs lost to South Korea 2-1 in their opening match and will likely need to beat Mexico in their final game on Wednesday to advance.___Associated Press writer R.J. Rico contributed to this report.___James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson___AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup

Fifa has taken action following Thomas Tuchel's complaints about photographers being in front of England's head coach during the national anthems.Tuchel said he "could not see my team" before the Three Lions' 4-2 win against Croatia when God Save The King was being sung.Football's governing body has announced it will move photographers away from the bench during the national anthem.They will now be based in a huddle nearer to the halfway line so the coaching staff have an unobstructed view.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayTuchel hit out at the photographer's position after the game, saying: "I have to tell you something. "I'm begging Fifa to change the position of the photographers in the national anthem, because I could not see my team."It was a very special moment, and I was standing in front of a wall of 50 photographers and I could not see one single player. It ruined a little bit my experience."Tuchel has previously explained that he does not yet feel comfortable singing England's national anthem himself, insisting he wants to earn the right to do so.LATEST SPORTS NEWSWorld Cup day eight: Czech Republic draw with South Africa, Switzerland to play Bosnia-HerzegovinaLionel Messi's family issue statement hitting out at 'lack of sensitivity' with father's healthGary Lineker makes admission following England's World Cup win against CroatiaThe 52-year-old recently pledged to join in with God Save The King should England reach the World Cup final next month, though admitted he remains "a bit shy" for now.Ahead of the Croatia clash, he said: "Not yet, I think we are not there yet."At the very end maybe. I am still a bit shy."I don't want to offend people, and I don't want to have the focus on that now."Despite the frustration before kick-off, Tuchel was able to celebrate a winning start to England's World Cup campaign.Harry Kane struck twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford were also on target as the Three Lions overcame Croatia in an entertaining Group L encounter.England captain Kane later revealed Tuchel had delivered a strong message at half-time after seeing his side concede twice during an even opening period."The first half was pretty even," Kane told Fox Sports.He continued: "We were disappointed the way we conceded especially the second goal. The boss at half-time said to 'let the shackles off, what's the worse that could happen?'"We came out with real intensity. That's how we want to play. That's the level we need to reach."We're in a really good place as a squad physically."We had too much for a great team who will be here towards the end of the tournament."Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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