Oh Hyeon-gyu’s 80th-minute finish turned South Korea’s pressure into payoff, sealing a 2-1 comeback over Czech Republic in their World Cup Group Stage opener at Estadio Akron.
South Korea turn pressure into control
The first half in Guadalajara carried tension more than spectacle, but South Korea still looked the sharper side. Lee Kang-in forced Kovář into a save from 25 metres in the 14th minute, and Son Heung-min wasted the best opening of the half in stoppage time after a one-two left him alone seven metres out.
Czech Republic leaned on long balls and crosses, but South Korea’s defence dealt with that route comfortably before the break. The 0-0 interval scoreline hid Korea’s territorial command, later reflected in 62% possession, 15 shots to 7, and a passing volume of 468 to 225.
Ladislav Krejci punishes South Korea waste
South Korea’s pressure continued after the restart, and Kovář kept Czech Republic alive in the 49th minute with a double save from Hwang In-beom and Lee Jae-sung. He then denied Son again in the 56th minute when the forward broke through one-on-one.
The punishment arrived three minutes later. Vladimir Coufal launched a throw-in into the area, and Ladislav Krejci headed in from five metres to give Czech Republic a 59th-minute lead and their first World Cup goal since 2006.
Hwang In-beom inspires South Korea turnaround
The lead lasted only eight minutes. Lee Kang-in’s long pass released Hwang In-beom, who beat Robin Hranac and lifted his finish over Kovář in the 67th minute for 1-1.
Czech Republic thought they had struck again in the 77th minute, but Tomás Soucek’s goal was ruled out for offside. Three minutes later, Hwang avoided the trap on the right and drove a low ball into the middle for Oh Hyeon-gyu to score from close range.
Czech Republic, who edged corners 5-4 and committed 16 fouls to South Korea’s 8, still threatened late through Adam Hlozek and Michal Sadilek. Kim Seung-gyu’s saves protected the turnaround, leaving South Korea ranked 2nd on 3 points and Czech Republic 12th with 0.
Match Information
Competition: World Cup. Date & Time: Friday 12 June 2026, 04:00 CET. Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara. Referee: Amin Mohamed Omar, Egypt.
