18/06/2026

SPORTS THURSDAY | JUNE 18, 2026

26 We have to be more efficient, says Swiss coach Murat SWITZERLAND and Bosnia-Herzegovina will both look to take a major step

“We defended too deep and relied too much on the low block,” Barbarez said, while praising his side’s resilience in a hostile atmosphere. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko could be crucial if fit enough to feature. The 40 year-old remains Bosnia’s talisman and all-time leading scorer with 73 interna tional goals, while emerging talents such as Esmir Bajraktarevic and Jovo Lukic provide additional attacking threat. The stakes could hardly be higher. Victory would place either side in a commanding position heading into the final round of group matches, while another draw would leave qualification hanging delicately in the balance. With Switzerland seeking redemption after their late collapse against Qatar and Bosnia aiming to continue their fairy tale journey, an intense and closely con tested battle is expected in Los Angeles. – Agencies

ties that helped them qualify unbeaten and concede only two goals during qualifying. Bosnia, however, have shown throughout their remarkable qualifica tion campaign that they are not to be underestimated. Making only their second World Cup appearance, Sergej Barbarez’s side stunned Italy in the playoffs and are unbeaten in their last nine international matches. Barbarez believes his team can con tinue punching above their weight. “We will play with our hearts,” he said before the tournament, embracing Bosnia’s underdog status and the deter mination that has carried them to the world stage. The Bosnia coach was satisfied with the point against Canada but admitted his players became too passive after taking the lead.

their last eight World Cup group matches and were seconds away from victory in their opener before a stoppage-time own goal denied them all three points. Murat admitted his team only had themselves to blame for letting victory slip away. “We have to be more efficient,” the Switzerland coach said after the Qatar match, lamenting missed chances and poor game management in the closing stages. He nevertheless expressed con fidence that his side possess the quality to respond against Bosnia. Captain Granit Xhaka is expected to play a central role once again as Switzerland seek to take control of the group. The Swiss have built their reputation on

towards the World Cup knockout stage when they meet in a pivotal Group B clash at Los Angeles Stadium tomorrow (3am Malaysian time). With all four teams in the group level on one point after the opening round of matches, the encounter has quickly become one of the most important fix tures of the group stage. Switzerland were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Qatar, while Bosnia earned a hard-fought 1-1 result against co-hosts Canada. The Swiss arrive as slight favourites thanks to their superior tournament

experience and impres sive recent World Cup record. Murat Yakin’s side have lost only one of

defensive organisation and consistency, quali

Top spot up for grabs Group A supremacy on the line in Guadalajara as host Mexico take on South Korea

Son Heung-min

M EXICO and South Korea will put their unbeaten starts to the 2026 World Cup on the line when they meet in a pivotal Group A clash tomorrow (9am Malaysian time), with both sides knowing victory would leave them on the brink of the knockout stage.

South Africa, forcing Aguirre into a defensive reshuffle. However, the hosts remain strong favourites thanks to their experienced core led by captain Edson Alvarez and the in-form Jimenez, whose leadership has been vital to a squad blending youth and experience. Aguirre knows a second successive victory would virtually guarantee qualification for the round of 32 and potentially secure top spot in the group before Mexico’s final match against Czech Republic. South Korea, however, arrive full of belief after producing one of the tournament’s most impressive comebacks. Trailing Czech Republic in the second half, Hong Myung-bo’s side ral lied through Hwang In-beom and substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu to claim all three points. Hong praised his players’ character after the match and believes that resilience will be crucial against the hosts. “I told the players before the game to stay together and keep believing,” Hong said. “I’m proud that they followed the plan and showed their unity.” The South Korean coach has also backed captain Son Heung-min to make a decisive impact after the Tottenham and Los Angeles FC star endured a relatively quiet opening match. “Son remains a very important player for us,” Hong said. “His leadership and experience are invaluable to this team.” Son himself brushed aside suggestions that this could be his final World Cup appearance. “I have never said with words it will be my last World Cup,” he said. “That will be my choice.” – Agencies

The teams arrive level on three points after opening-match victories. Mexico eased past South Africa 2-0 in the tournament curtain raiser, while South Korea fought back from behind to defeat Czech Republic 2-1, setting up what could be one of the most entertain ing encounters of the second round of group matches. For Mexico, confidence is soaring after an assured performance in front of their home fans. Goals from Julian Quinones and veteran striker Raul Jimenez secured the win over South Africa, but coach Javier Aguirre insists his side must keep their emotions in check as expectations continue to rise. “The emotion of a World Cup at home is impossible to compare with anything else,” Aguirre said. “We have to control our emotions and understand that a 90-minute game can’t be rushed.” Mexico will be without suspended defender Cesar Montes following his red card against

Czech Republic, Bafana Bafana in must-win battle CZECH REPUBLIC and South Africa place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. “We must remember how we

either Czech Republic or South Africa would leave their hopes of reaching the knockout stage hanging by a thread. Czech coach Miroslav Koubek admitted after the South Korea defeat that his side needed to show more creativity and attacking aggression. “We need more in the final third,” Koubek said after the loss, while insist ing his team remains determined to bounce back. Defender Jaroslav Zeleny also stressed the importance of the encoun ter, noting that Czech Republic’s final group match against Mexico could be an even tougher challenge. “This game against South Africa is hugely important for us,” he said. South Africa arrive under pressure after criticism at home following their defeat to Mexico, but winger Thapelo Maseko has called on the squad to draw inspiration from their run to third

responded after losing our opening game at Afcon,” Maseko said. “We need more intensity and effort.” Coach Hugo Broos will be without suspended duo Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane, forcing changes to his lineup. Reports suggest he could abandon the five-man defence used against Mexico and revert to a back four. The key battle may be between Czech Republic’s experienced spine of Patrik Schick and Tomas Soucek and a South African side relying on captain Ronwen Williams, midfielder Teboho Mokoena and the pace of Oswin Appollis. Czech Republic’s greater experi ence at the highest European level makes them slight favourites, but South Africa’s resilience means they cannot be underestimated. – Agencies

will both be playing for their World Cup survival when they

meet in Atlanta today (12mn Malaysian time), with neither side able to afford another defeat after losing their opening Group A matches. The Czechs returned to the World Cup for the first time in 20 years but suffered a dis appointing 2-1 defeat to South Korea despite taking the lead through Ladislav Krejci. South Africa, meanwhile, were beaten 2-0 by co-hosts Mexico in the tournament opener and fin ished the match with nine men after two red cards. With Mexico and South Korea already on three points, a loss for