South Korea came from behind and beat the Czech Republic – thus they have three points together with Mexico in Group A of the World Cup.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo was delighted that his call for unity before the match was heard, after the team turned around and won its first World Cup match against the Czech Republic.
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Ladislav Krejci’s header sent the Czech Republic into the lead against the run of play after 59 minutes. But Hwang In-beom equalized with a smart finish eight minutes later. The Feyenoord midfielder then became an assistant when he made a pass to substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu, who scored the winning goal ten minutes before the end.
It was a fully deserved victory for Hong’s team, who dominated much of the clash in Guadalajara. They now have three points – the same as host nation Mexico, who beat South Africa 2-0 earlier that day.
SOUTH KOREA – CZECH REPUBLIC
“This was our first game, and a very tough one,” said Hong. “The victory itself makes me happy, but what’s even more positive is that our guys won by not giving up. I knew we were more than good enough to win, so at 1-1 I told the players to carry on exactly the way we had played.
“Before the game, I gave two messages: don’t give up before the end, and stand united as one unit. Whether you’re on the pitch or not, we have to play as one team.
South Korea dominated the first half, but star player Son Heung-min was unusually lethargic in front of goal. The Czech Republic got lucky and took the lead on their first shot on goal – Krejci headed in Vladimir Coufal’s long throw.
South Korea needed a hero, and he came in the form of Hwang. He showed great composure as he received Lee Kang-in’s pass, advanced towards the onrushing Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar, and cunningly put a chip into the roof of the net.
The Czech Republic thought they had taken the lead again when Tomas Soucek headed in a free-kick after 78 minutes – but the goal was annulled for offside. South Korea took full advantage of the pardon when Oh slotted in Hwang’s cross.
The Czech Republic had to respond, and they finally created some threats, but were stopped by South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu, who made great saves against both Adam Hlozek and Michal Sadilek.
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Oh got up from his sick bed and gave South Korea a dream start
Oh revealed afterwards that he could hardly play – and then became the match winner.
“I can’t put my feelings into words,” he said. “My body temperature had risen to 38 degrees because I wasn’t feeling well. I wondered if I could play at all. It was possible thanks to the support system and the medical team. Just playing in a World Cup is something I should be grateful for. As a striker, I am relieved and grateful.
It was a disappointing start for the Czech Republic, who will be hoping to bounce back against South Africa in Atlanta on Thursday 21 June.
Captain Krejci said:
“We are still adapting to the tactical approach. This is also our first World Cup in a long time, so it is natural that nerves come into play. But the key for us is to stand compact defensively. We have to make it as difficult as possible for the opponents to achieve our goal.
