South Korea came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their Group A clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Guadalajara.
The Taegeuk Warriors started brightly and nearly opened the scoring inside the first 15 minutes of the encounter in Mexico.
Lee Han-beom headed narrowly over from close range before Lee Kang-in forced Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar into an important save from outside the penalty area.
The Czech Republic gradually settled into the contest, but Tomas Soucek fired wide from a promising position before the first-half hydration break.
South Korea continued to enjoy the better chances before the interval.
Son Heung-min missed a golden opportunity in the 39th minute after a strong run, steering his effort wide as both sides went into the break locked at 0-0.
Hong Myung-bo’s men resumed on the front foot in the second half. Kovar produced a series of saves to deny Hwang In-beom, Lee Jae-sung and Son as South Korea searched for the breakthrough.
Their missed chances proved costly just before the hour mark. A long throw from Vladimir Coufal found Czech captain Ladislav Krejci inside the area, and his header beat Kim Seung-gyu to give the Europeans the lead and register his sixth international goal.
The advantage lasted only a short time.
Hwang In-beom levelled midway through the second half with a composed finish that finally beat Kovar and set up an exciting finish.
The Czech Republic thought they had restored their lead with less than 15 minutes remaining when Soucek headed home, but the effort was immediately ruled out for offside.
South Korea took full advantage moments later.
Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu completed the comeback after meeting a precise pass from Hwang In-beom and finishing from close range to put his side ahead for the first time in the match.
The Czech Republic continued to threaten from set-pieces and nearly rescued a point late on, but Kim Seung-gyu produced a crucial save to keep out substitute Adam Hlozek from close range.
South Korea held on to secure all three points and strengthen their position ahead of their next Group A fixture against co-hosts Mexico.
The defeat ended the Czech Republic’s six-match unbeaten run as they now turn their attention to a meeting with South Africa.
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