South Korea come from behind to beat Czech Republic 2-1, Oh Hyeon-Gyu the hero in Zapopan
Hwang In-Beom and Oh Hyeon-Gyu overturned Krejci's opener to seal a precious South Korean comeback at the 2026 World Cup.
South Korea produced a gutsy comeback to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan, one of Mexico's host venues for the 2026 World Cup, a modern, atmospheric ground holding 45,664 fans that buzzed for this Group A clash. Mexico, alongside the United States and Canada, is co-hosting this first 48-team World Cup, and Jalisco answered with a packed, passionate crowd.
The Czechs struck first. In the 59th minute, Ladislav Krejci finished off a move set up by Vladimir Coufal to put Miroslav Koubek's side ahead, lined up in a 3-4-2-1 with Tomas Soucek and Patrik Schick as their focal points. The goal forced the Asians to push forward.
The Korean response was swift. In the 67th, Hwang In-Beom levelled after an assist from Lee Kang-In, and in the 80th Oh Hyeon-Gyu completed the turnaround, fed by Hwang In-Beom himself, who delivered a goal-and-assist display. Myung-Bo Hong's team, also set up in a 3-4-2-1 and led by captain Son Heung-Min alongside Kim Min-Jae at the back, dug in late, with their only booking going to Lee Gi-Hyuk in the 90th.
The Akron, known for its acoustics and steep stands, witnessed a match decided by South Korean clinical finishing in a decisive half-hour. The Czech Republic paid dearly for its lack of efficiency after taking the lead.
With this win, South Korea pick up three points and sit top of Group A, while the Czech Republic remain without a point and under pressure to react in their next outing to keep their hopes alive of reaching the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds.