South Korea Fight Back to Defeat Czech Republic 2–1
TDT | Manama
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South Korea came from behind to secure a 2–1 victory over the Czech Republic in their opening Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium yesterday, overturning a second-half deficit to join Mexico at the top of the group.
South Korea looked the more threatening side for much of the first half and controlled large spells of possession, but they were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, relied largely on set pieces and counterattacking opportunities as both sides went into the break level.
Despite South Korea’s dominance, it was the Czech Republic who opened the scoring against the run of play in the 59th minute through captain Ladislav Krejčí. The goal came from a familiar source, with Vladimír Coufal — who registered eight assists for Hoffenheim during the Bundesliga season — launching a long throw into the penalty area. The delivery reached the edge of the six-yard box, where an unmarked Krejčí timed his leap perfectly before guiding his header beyond goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.
South Korea responded positively and found an equaliser just eight minutes later through Hwang In-beom. Lee Kang-in received a pass from Lee Gi-hyuk deep in midfield and turned sharply before threading an incisive ball through the Czech defensive lines and into the penalty area. Hwang controlled the pass superbly, drawing goalkeeper Matěj Kovář off his line before cutting back onto his right foot with impressive balance. The midfielder left defender Robin Hranác sliding desperately across the turf before delicately chipping a finish that trickled into the far corner.
The Czech Republic thought they had restored their advantage in the 78th minute through another set-piece routine. Michal Sadílek delivered a free-kick into the danger area and the ball was headed home by West Ham United midfielder Tomáš Souček. Celebrations, however, were cut short as the offside flag was raised, ensuring the scores remained level.
Just two minutes later, South Korea completed the turnaround. The dramatic swing in momentum inside Guadalajara Stadium continued as Seung-ho Paik produced a sweeping first-time pass over the Czech defence into the path of Hwang In-beom. The midfielder continued his run down the flank before delivering a low cross into the penalty area, where substitute Oh Hyun-gyu arrived to finish first time beyond Kovář. The goal came only 11 minutes after the forward had entered the match.
The Czech Republic pushed for a late equaliser and came agonisingly close in the closing stages. A well-worked move saw Adam Hložek drive into the penalty area before shifting the ball to Mojmír Chytil, whose first-time pass back towards the penalty spot found an unmarked Sadílek. With only Kim Seung-gyu to beat, the midfielder appeared destined to score, but the South Korean goalkeeper reacted brilliantly, scrambling off his line to make a crucial save and preserve his side’s lead.
South Korea held on through the remaining minutes to secure all three points and complete an impressive comeback victory, while the Czech Republic were left to rue missed opportunities after seeing a second-half lead slip away.
Looking ahead, South Korea will face co-hosts Mexico on June 19 at 4am at Guadalajara Stadium, with both sides seeking to build on opening-day victories. The Czech Republic will take on South Africa on June 18 at 7pm as both teams look to recover from defeats in their first group-stage matches. Both times are in Bahrain time.
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