Czech Republic 1-1 Saudi Arabia Player Ratings: Vaclav Jemelka Rated 8/10 as Al Hamddan's Late Free-Kick Snatches Draw 1-1

What a dramatic conclusion at the Malsovicka Stadium as the venue hosted the interesting game between the two teams, the Czech Republic National Football Team and the Saudi Arabia National Football Team. This felt like a game of two halves. The Czech Republic looked set to cruise to a comfortable victory after taking an early lead, but they ultimately paid the price for not finishing the job perfectly in the final third of the pitch.. This match was decided by moments of individual brilliance and error.

The home side, Czech Republic, were gifted a golden opportunity when Ziyad Al-Johani clumsily brought down Alex Kral in the box. Tomas Chory made no mistake from the spot, coolly slotting home to give his side a 21st-minute lead. For much of the game, it seemed that would be enough. The Czechs controlled the tempo, looking solid at the back, particularly through their captain, Vaclav Jemelka.

However, Saudi Arabia refused to give up. They grew into the contest, especially in the second half, showing immense character and fight for a comeback from Saudi Arabia. Their persistence was rewarded in the dying moments of the match. Substitute Abdullah Al Hamddan stepped up and curled in a stunning free-kick in stoppage time, snatching a 1-1 draw and silencing the home crowd. It was a moment of pure quality that earned Saudi Arabia a deserved point on the road.

Here are Czech Republic Vs Saudi Arabia Player Ratings

Saudi Arabia Player Ratings vs Czech Republic

Here are Saudi Arabia Player Ratings vs Czech Republic

Goalkeeper

Abdulrahman Al-Sanbi - 6.5: We thought he had a relatively quiet night. He couldn't do anything about the penalty, as it was well-taken. His distribution was a bit mixed, with only a 42% success rate on his long balls which is something to work on. He wasn't tested much otherwise but was alert when needed. A steady performance overall.

Defenders

Muhannad Shanqeeti - 6.5: Showed some good attacking intent down the right before being subbed. What stood out to us was his saved shot in the second half, a great effort that almost changed the game. However he did miss a big chance and lost possession ten times in his 75 minutes. A mixed bag but more positives than negatives.

Jehad Thakri - 6.5: A solid and no-nonsense performance at the back. He kept it simple and effective, boasting a high pass accuracy of 88%. From our perspective, he looked composed on the ball. He wasn't overly tested in one-on-one duels but did what was required of him without any fuss.

Hassan Tambakti - 7.0: A commanding display from the central defender. He was everywhere, racking up an impressive 10 ball recoveries and distributing play effectively with 94 passes. He was physically dominant winning most of his aerial duels. A real leader at the back and crucial to keeping his team in the game.

Moteb Al-Harbi - 6.5: Only played the first half but looked very sharp. He was strong in the tackle, winning four of his five duels, and showed confidence driving forward with the ball. It was a surprise to see him taken off at halftime, as he was one of Saudi Arabia's better performers in the opening 45 minutes.

Midfielders

Musab Al-Juwayr - 7.0: The creative hub for Saudi Arabia while he was on the pitch. He was always looking to make things happen, creating a chance and testing the keeper with a shot on target. His eleven passes into the final third showed his attacking mindset. A very promising performance before his substitution.

Salem Al-Dawsari - 6.0: A frustrating evening for the captain. He tried to force the issue, attempting eight dribbles but completing only two. He lost possession a staggering 21 times, which really stalled his team's momentum. The late yellow card summed up his difficult night. We expected more from a player of his quality.

Abdullah Al-Khaibari - 7.0: The anchor in midfield. He did the dirty work exceptionally well, with four interceptions and two crucial tackles won. He screened the defense effectively and recycled possession with intelligence. An unsung hero whose work allowed the more attacking players to flourish.

Ziyad Al-Johani - 5.0: A really tough game for the young midfielder. The clumsy challenge for the penalty was a moment of panic and defined his performance. While his passing was neat and tidy, the costly error and subsequent yellow card overshadow everything else. A difficult learning experience for him.

Abdulrahman Al-Oboud - 5.5: Played just the first 45 minutes and struggled to get into the game. He had very few touches and failed to make any impact in the final third. It felt like the game passed him by, and his substitution at halftime was not a surprise.

Forwards

Firas Al-Buraikan - 7.0: A tireless worker up front. He didn't get a goal, but he created two chances, including one big chance for his teammates. He was a constant nuisance for the Czech defense, drawing three fouls and linking up play well. A selfless and effective performance.

Substitutes

Abdullah Al Hamddan - 7.5: The game-changer. Came on at halftime and provided the moment of magic his team desperately needed. His stunning free-kick goal in stoppage time was a thing of beauty and earned his team a valuable draw. An incredible impact from the bench.

Nawaf Bu Washl - 6.0: Replaced Al-Harbi and provided a solid, if unspectacular, 45 minutes at the back. He did his defensive duties without any issues.

Saleh Al Shehri - 6.5: Looked lively after coming on. He almost scored with a good header that forced a save from the keeper. Added a different dimension to the attack.

Ali Majrashi - 6.0: Had one wayward shot and picked up a cynical yellow card late on. Didn't have much time to influence the game positively.

Manager

H. Renard - 7.0: His team looked disjointed in the first half but his halftime changes and tactical tweaks worked wonders. The decision to bring on Abdullah Al Hamddan was a masterstroke. He will be proud of the immense character and fighting spirit his team showed to get back into the match.

Czech Republic Player Ratings vs Saudi Arabia

Here are Czech Republic Player Ratings vs Saudi Arabia

Goalkeeper

Matej Kovar - 6.5: Played the first half and had very little to do besides one comfortable save. His distribution was excellent, showing great composure with his feet. A solid and untroubled 45-minute outing before being replaced.

Defenders

Vaclav Jemelka - 8.0: Our Man of the Match. An absolutely colossal performance from the captain. He was a rock at the heart of the defense, winning six of his seven duels and making a string of crucial tackles and interceptions. He read the game beautifully and even contributed offensively by creating a chance. A true captain's display.

Robin Hranac - 6.0: Looked a little off the pace compared to his defensive partners. He struggled in his duels, winning just three of eight, and committed a few needless fouls. A performance he will want to improve on, as he looked like the weak link in the backline.

Martin Vitík - 6.5: A decent and steady performance. He was strong in the tackle and made a couple of important interceptions. He was comfortable on the ball for the most part, though he was dribbled past on one occasion. A reliable presence in the defense.

Midfielders

Martin Cedidla - 6.0: An industrious but ultimately ineffective performance. He worked hard defensively, making three tackles and four clearances. However, he offered little going forward and his passing was not as sharp as it needed to be. Substituted after 64 minutes.

David Jurásek - 6.0: Struggled to make an impact on the game during his 64 minutes. He lost possession too frequently and wasn't involved enough in the team's build-up play. From our perspective, he seemed a bit lost and unable to find his rhythm.

Michal Beran - 7.5: A fantastic all-action display in the midfield. His energy was infectious, and his statistic of 12 ball recoveries speaks for itself. He was a disruptive force, breaking up play with tackles and interceptions all over the pitch. A brilliant defensive midfield performance.

Alex Král - 7.0: His most decisive contribution was winning the penalty with a clever run into the box. Beyond that, he was a solid presence in midfield, working hard to recover the ball and keep his team ticking. His smart play created the game's opening goal.

Forwards

Michal Sadílek - 6.0: A very busy and combative performance. He was involved in everything, but not always for the right reasons. He committed four fouls and picked up a yellow card, showing his frustration. He worked hard but lacked the final product to hurt the opposition.

Vaclav Cerny - 5.5: A disappointing first half for the attacker. He looked to be a threat but was wasteful in possession, losing the ball eight times in 45 minutes. He was largely neutralized by the Saudi defense and substituted at the break.

Tomas Chory - 7.0: Did his job perfectly in the first half. He stepped up and scored the penalty with great confidence, providing the focal point of the attack. His work was done by halftime, and he can be pleased with his goalscoring contribution.

Substitutes

Vítezslav Jaros - 6.5: Came on at halftime and was called into action a couple of times making two good saves. There was absolutely nothing he could do about the spectacular free-kick that beat him.

Jan Kuchta - 5.5: Replaced the goalscorer Chory but was completely anonymous for the entire second half. He failed to register a single shot or key pass, a really quiet outing.

Pavel Sulc - 5.5: His main contribution after coming on was to commit a foul and receive a yellow card. Didn't add the stability or threat his manager would have wanted.

Patrik Schick - 6.0: The star striker came on but couldn't find the goal to kill the game. He had one shot blocked late on but was otherwise quiet. Not the game-changing impact expected of him.

Manager

I. Hašek - 6.0: His team started well and executed their initial game plan by getting an early goal. However, they failed to build on their lead and looked complacent in the second half. His substitutions didn't have the desired effect, and he will be incredibly frustrated to have conceded so late and thrown away the win.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Vaclav Jemelka