13/06/2026

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SATURDAY • 13th JUNE 2026

Warriors unite Hwang, Oh strike as South Korea fight back to sink Czech Republic

South Korea’s Hwang In-beom (2nd, right) celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates during the World Cup 2026 Group A match against Czech Republic at the Estadio Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

S OUTH KOREA staged an impressive second half comeback to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening Group A match of the World Cup yester day, with goals from Hwang In-beom and sub stitute Oh Hyeon-gyuon earning a valuable three points. The victory lifted South Korea level with Mexico at the top of the group after the tourna ment co-hosts defeated nine-man South Africa 2-0 in the opening fixture. It was a contest between contrasting styles, with the Taegeuk Warriors relying on their technical quality, movement and passing com binations while the Czech Republic looked to use their physical strength and direct approach to create chances. The first half ended goalless despite South Korea creating the better opportunities. Captain Son Heung-min was at the centre of much of their attacking play but endured a frustrating evening in front of goal. Son, who arrived at the tournament just two goals shy of becoming South Korea’s all-time leading scorer, had five chances in the opening half alone but failed to add to his tally of 56 international goals. The Czech Republic, appearing at the World Cup for the first time in 20 years, gradually set tled into the match and stunned the Koreans shortly before the hour mark. In the 59th minute, Vladimir Coufal

“When I look back at the situations, we could have prevented the opponents from scoring their goals. “We created opportunities, but our oppo nent was very fast.” Despite the defeat, the Czech Republic showed enough quality to suggest they remain capable of challenging for a place in the knock out stages. Krejci’s leadership, Coufal’s delivery from wide areas and Soucek’s aerial threat all posed problems for the Korean defence. South Korea, meanwhile, will take consider able confidence from the manner of their vic tory. Hwang was instrumental in the come back, scoring one goal and creating the other, while Oh justified Hong’s decision to introduce him from the bench. The performance also highlighted the depth within the squad, with players beyond Son stepping forward when needed. South Korea will face Mexico on June 19 in a match that could determine the group win ner, while the Czech Republic travel to Atlanta to take on South Africa on the same day. For Hong and his players, the tournament could hardly have begun in better fashion. They showed resilience, quality and unity to overturn a deficit and claim an important vic tory, laying down an early marker in Group A and giving themselves momentum ahead of their crucial showdown with Mexico. – Reuters/Agencies

“Son is our best player and is also a very sta ble captain. We believe that Son did his best,” said Hong. The coach nevertheless admitted that his side needed to improve their finishing. South Korea appeared on course for a com fortable finish but were given a late scare when Tomas Soucek headed a free-kick into the net. The Czech celebrations were cut short, how ever, as the assistant referee raised the flag for offside. The disallowed goal proved decisive as South Korea held firm to secure all three points and make an encouraging start to their cam paign. The result leaves South Korea tied with Mexico on three points at the top of Group A, setting up what could be a pivotal clash between the two sides. Hong acknowledged the significance of the upcoming encounter. “Both teams scored three points,” he said. “The next match will be very important.” For the Czech Republic, the defeat was a disappointing end to a largely competitive per formance. The Europeans had frustrated South Korea for long periods and looked dangerous from set-pieces throughout the match. Coach Miroslav Koubek lamented the defensive lapses that allowed South Korea back into the contest. “We made some mistakes,” Koubek said.

launched a long throw into the penalty area and captain Ladislav Krejci rose highest to head home and give the Europeans a 1-0 lead. The setback, however, failed to shake South Korea, who responded exactly as coach Hong Myung-bo had demanded before kickoff. “Before the match I gave two messages: not give up until the end and unite as one,” Hong told reporters after the match. “Whether on the pitch or not, we need to play as one team.” South Korea’s equaliser arrived in the 67th minute and showcased the technical ability that has become a hallmark of the side. Lee Kang-in threaded a superb through ball into the path of Hwang In-beom, who cut inside before curling a precise right-footed effort into the far corner. The goal shifted momentum firmly in South Korea’s favour and they continued to press for a winner. That decisive moment came when Hwang turned provider. After receiving possession on the right wing, he drove forward and delivered a low cross into the six-yard box, where substitute Oh Hyeon-gyuon arrived to sweep home from close range. Oh had only recently replaced Son, whose difficult evening continued despite his relent less effort and movement. While Son’s missed opportunities attracted attention, Hong was quick to defend his cap tain and underline his importance to the team.

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