FIFA World Cup
2 – 1 Czech Republic FT
South Korea got here from behind to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 as substitute scored the profitable aim within the eightieth minute of their World Cup opener.
and firm had dominated the sport in opposition to the Czechs, who didn’t have a shot heading in the right direction till their captain Ladislav Krejci rose to move house a protracted throw from Vladimir Coufal for the opening aim within the 59th minute.
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Former ahead Son, captaining his nation, had 5 of South Korea’s eight efforts within the first half, and his greatest probability was blocked by goalkeeper Matej Kovar shortly after the interval.
However Feyenoord defensive midfielder impressed South Korea’s fightback when he equalised solely eight minutes after the Czech opener by defender Krejci, who spent final season on mortgage at Wolves.
Discovered contained in the field by the vigorous , deceived Kovar, who had rushed off his line, as he faked to shoot earlier than scooping the ball over the Czech keeper and into an unguarded aim to make it 1-1.
South Korea thought that they had been undone by one other Czech set-piece within the 78th minute as Tomas Soucek nodded house a free-kick from the left, however Hong Myung-bo’s aspect have been handed a reprieve because the aim was dominated out for offside.
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And their supporters at Estadio Guadalajara have been quickly celebrating as their aspect took the lead, with Besiktas ahead Oh tapping house a cross from Hwang to finish the turnaround.
However the well-known win was solely sealed courtesy of keeper , who produced an excellent low cease to dam Adam Hlozek’s close-range effort within the 82nd minute and in addition denied Michal Sadilek in stoppage time.
It’s the first time in 4 editions of the World Cup that South Korea have made a profitable begin to their marketing campaign.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino was among the many spectators in Guadalajara, the place Fifa mentioned the capability can be 45,664 for the 4 video games it will likely be internet hosting.
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The attendance was introduced as 44,985 though there have been rows of empty seats, not simply in the most costly sections on midway however across the stadium.
Fifa has been criticised for its ticket coverage for the World Cup, which is being hosted by the US, and , with the match organisers accused of
Talking on Wednesday, as “correct” for the North American market, insisting that demand had been “unprecedented by an element of 10 or extra”.
Son makes approach earlier than winner
For a few years Son has been South Korea’s talisman, scoring 56 targets from 145 appearances.
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He holds the file for many video games for the nationwide staff and wishes two targets to attract degree with Cha Bum-kun as their all-time main scorer.
The 33-year-old, who left Spurs to hitch MLS aspect in August 2025, is taking part in in his fourth World Cup and linked seamlessly with Lee Kang-in and to create a number of first-half probabilities.
Son had one shot deflected over earlier than sending two strikes from exterior the field off-target. He then failed to attach correctly when stretching for a return ball within the field.
His clearest alternative got here early within the second half, when he tried to carry the ball over Kovar however didn’t get sufficient on it.
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Son was changed two minutes after South Korea’s equaliser having failed so as to add to his three World Cup targets, and it was his substitute, ex-Celtic striker Oh, who claimed the winner on his World Cup bow.
What’s subsequent for these groups?
Czech Republic will subsequent face on Thursday, 18 June (17:00 BST) whereas South Korea tackle World Cup co-hosts Mexico, who of their first match, on Friday, 19 June (02:00 BST).