2026 World Cup: South Korea come from behind to beat Czechia and join Mexico at the top of the group
South Korea made a sharp start to their campaign. On Friday in Guadalajara, the Taeguk Warriors beat Czechia 2-1 after a lively second half, moving level with Mexico at the top of Group A. Bright, bold and full of intent, Lee Kang-in and co kept running into a brick wall in the shape of Matej Kovar, who produced a string of big saves for the Czechs, including a brilliant double stop to deny Hwang and Lee in the 49th minute. South Korea were on top, but the finishing touch just would not come.
Then it nearly all went wrong. From Czechia’s very first chance, Ladislav Krejci headed them in front from a long throw in the 59th minute, punishing a South Korea side who were not nearly ruthless enough. But the Koreans answered with real fight. Hwang In-beom levelled in the 67th minute with a neat turn and a perfect dink over the keeper, before Oh Hyeon-gyu, a substitute only just on the pitch, finished the job with a precise side-footed strike in the 80th minute. Czechia thought they had gone back ahead through a Tomas Soucek header, but the West Ham midfielder was offside (77th).
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Kim Seung-gyu stands tall late on as South Korea hang on
In the closing stages, it was goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu who saved the day. The 35-year-old FC Tokyo keeper had been caught out badly by the aerial mishap that led to the Czech goal. He made amends in style, stretching to tip Adam Hlozek’s effort around the far post in the 82nd minute, before clutching a Michal Sadilek shot at the death (90th+3). Two huge saves, celebrated like goals by the entire South Korea bench.
Czechia, meanwhile, are still waiting for a World Cup win 20 years to the day since their 3-0 victory over the United States on 12 June 2006. That wait goes on after this frustrating defeat to a South Korea side who earned it. In Group A, Mexico and South Korea are already setting the pace after matchday one.
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