South Korea Rally to Beat Czechia 2-1 in World Cup Group A Opener
Oh Hyeon-gyu scores late winner after Hwang In-beom's equalizer cancels out Ladislav Krejci's opener for Czechia.
South Korea came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their opening World Cup Group A match, with substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring the decisive goal in the 80th minute.
After a goalless first half, Czechia took the lead in the 59th minute when captain Ladislav Krejci headed home from a long throw-in, despite South Korea having created the better chances.
The advantage lasted only eight minutes as Hwang In-beom calmly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to level the score. Czechia thought they had regained the lead in the 77th minute through Tomas Soucek, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
South Korea completed the comeback shortly afterwards when Hwang turned provider, setting up Oh Hyeon-gyu to fire home from close range and seal all three points.
Mexico lead Group A following their 2-0 victory over South Africa, with South Korea set to face the co-hosts in Guadalajara next Thursday. Czechia will look to bounce back against South Africa in Atlanta.
