South Korea fight back to beat Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup opener
South Korea overturned an early second-half deficit against the Czech Republic on Thursday evening, scoring twice in the final 23 minutes to claim a 2-1 victory in Guadalajara and join Mexico at the top of Group A.
First half dominance without reward
South Korea controlled the opening 45 minutes with rapid ball circulation and early chances. Kang-in Lee drew a diving save from Matej Kovar with a long-range effort in the 14th minute, and Heung-min Son also tested the goalkeeper from distance before the break. Despite the pressure, the Asian side could not find the net and went to the dressing room level.
Krejci strike stuns the Koreans
The Czech Republic struck against the run of play in the 59th minute. A long throw from Vladimir Coufal found captain Ladislav Krejci, whose powerful header gave the Czechs a 1-0 lead.
Quick reply and a disallowed goal
South Korea responded almost immediately. Eight minutes after falling behind, Hwang In-beom danced past the goalkeeper and a defender inside the area before lifting a delicate chip into the net for the equaliser. The Czechs thought they had retaken the lead in the 78th minute when Tomas Soucek headed in a free kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
- 59' – Ladislav Krejci puts Czech Republic ahead with a header.
- 67' – Hwang In-beom equalises with a chipped finish.
- 80' – Oh Hyeon-gyu scores the winner from close range.
Oh Hyeon-gyu nets the winner
Two minutes after that let-off, Hwang turned provider, driving down the right flank and whipping in a low cross. Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu, the former Genk forward, slipped ahead of his marker and swept the ball home from close range for a 2-1 lead in the 80th minute.
Kim's late saves secure the points
Czech Republic pushed hard for a second equaliser. Adam Hlozek fired from point-blank range in the 82nd minute, but goalkeeper Seung-gyu Kim reacted sharply to block on the line. Kim was called on again in stoppage time, parrying a long-range attempt from Michal Sadilek to keep his side in front.
Group A picture
Earlier on Thursday, hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in Mexico City to open the tournament. Mexico leads Group A on goal difference over the Koreans, with both teams on three points. The two group leaders meet next Thursday at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, while the Czech Republic travel to Atlanta to face South Africa the same day.
