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South Korea Rally to Beat Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup Opener

The win gives South Korea an early three points in Group A and improves their path to the knockout stage.

Overview

  • South Korea overturned a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 in Zapopan after Ladislav Krejci put Czechia ahead and Hwang In-beom equalised before substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the winner.
  • The key moments came in the second half with Hwang’s composed finish in the 67th minute, Tomas Soucek’s 77th-minute header ruled out for offside after VAR review, and Oh’s 80th-minute tap-in from Hwang’s cross.
  • Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made two late, match-saving stops — denying Adam Hlozek and then Michal Sadilek in stoppage time — to preserve the victory.
  • Son Heung-min was replaced in the 69th minute after several missed chances and Oh later revealed he had a fever earlier in the day but still delivered the decisive goal.
  • The result puts South Korea on three points ahead of a group match with co-host Mexico and continues their run of World Cup appearances, while reports noted many empty seats at Estadio Guadalajara during the game.