News Focus
- South Korea secure a 2-1 victory after trailing in the second half at Estadio Guadalajara
- Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scores the decisive goal ten minutes from full time
- Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu makes crucial late stops to preserve the three points
- This marks South Korea’s first opening-match win at the World Cup in four tournaments
- Czech Republic took the lead through captain Ladislav Krejci before the hour mark
South Korea began their World Cup campaign with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Czech Republic. Substitute forward Oh Hyeon-gyu struck the winning goal in the 80th minute to complete the turnaround for the Asian side.
The Czechs had stunned their opponents in the 59th minute. Captain Ladislav Krejci rose highest to head home a long throw from Vladimir Coufal, giving his team the lead against the run of play. Prior to this, the Czech side had failed to test the South Korean goalkeeper.
Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min, wearing the armband for his country, had spearheaded the attack during the first period. He attempted five of his team’s eight shots before the break, but Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar blocked his best opportunity.
South Korea found an equaliser just eight minutes after falling behind. Midfielder Hwang In-beom received the ball inside the penalty area from Lee Kang-in. He tricked the rushing Kovar with a clever dummy, then lifted the ball gently over the keeper into the empty net.
The Czechs thought they had retaken the lead in the 78th minute when Tomas Soucek headed in a free-kick. However, the assistant referee’s flag went up for offside, and the goal was disallowed. This reprieve proved costly for the Europeans.
Two minutes later, Hwang turned provider. His cross from the left found Besiktas striker Oh, who tapped the ball home from close range to put South Korea ahead.
The victory was not secure until goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu produced two excellent saves. He denied Adam Hlozek from close range in the 82nd minute and also kept out Michal Sadilek during stoppage time.
This result represents the first time in four World Cup editions that South Korea have won their opening fixture. Czech Republic will face South Africa in their next match on Thursday, 18 June. South Korea will meet tournament co-hosts Mexico, who defeated South Africa 2-0, on Friday, 19 June.