South Korea staged a second-half comeback to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their opening Group A match of the FIFA World Cup on Thursday, with substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu netting the decisive goal in the 80th minute.
The Koreans dominated much of the match and created several opportunities, but captain Son Heung-min was unable to convert his chances. Despite South Korea’s attacking pressure, it was the Czech Republic who struck first when captain Ladislav Krejci headed home from a long throw-in in the 59th minute.
However, the lead lasted only eight minutes as Hwang In-beom calmly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to level the score in the 67th minute.
The Czech Republic thought they had regained the advantage in the 77th minute through Tomas Soucek, whose header from a free-kick found the net. The goal was later ruled out for offside following a review.
South Korea capitalised on the reprieve and completed the turnaround three minutes later. Hwang turned provider, cutting the ball back for Oh Hyeon-gyu, who finished from close range to seal all three points.
Co-hosts Mexico lead Group A after defeating South Africa 2-0 and will face South Korea in Guadalajara next Thursday. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic will take on South Africa in Atlanta.
