South Korea produced a superb second-half comeback to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 in an entertaining 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A encounter at the Estadio Guadalajara.
Goals from Hwang In-beom and substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh overturned Ladislav Krejci’s opener as the Koreans claimed all three points in a match they largely controlled from start to finish.
Despite the narrow scoreline, South Korea were the better side for long periods and deserved their victory, although Czech Republic pushed them all the way in a closely fought contest.
The Asians started brightly and looked the more dangerous team in the opening half. Lee Kang-in was at the heart of most of their attacking moves, while captain Son Heung-min repeatedly tested the Czech defence.
South Korea created the first real opening when Son saw his effort blocked after good work from Lee Jae-sung. Lee Kang-in also forced goalkeeper Matej Kovar into a smart save from distance as the pressure continued to build.
The Czech Republic remained dangerous from set-pieces and almost took the lead midway through the half when Tomas Soucek bundled a corner wide from close range.
However, the best opportunities belonged to South Korea. Son had several attempts, including a side-footed effort that drifted wide and another chance just before half-time when he failed to make proper contact with a return pass inside the penalty area.
The teams went into the break level at 0-0, but South Korea had been the superior side.
The second half continued in similar fashion. Hwang In-beom went close early on before Son was denied by another excellent save from Kovar after being slipped through on goal by Lee Jae-sung.
Those missed chances proved costly in the 59th minute.
A long throw from Vladimir Coufal caused problems inside the South Korean box and Krejci powered a header into the net to give Czech Republic a 1-0 lead with their first shot on target.
South Korea responded positively and increased the tempo of their attacks. The introduction of Hwang Hee-chan added fresh energy as the Koreans searched for a way back into the contest.
Their equaliser arrived in the 67th minute and it was no more than they deserved. Lee Kang-in delivered a clever pass into the path of Hwang In-beom, who showed great composure to cut inside before delicately lifting the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net.
The goal shifted momentum firmly in South Korea’s favour.
Czech Republic thought they had regained the lead in the 77th minute when Soucek headed home from a free-kick, but the celebrations were cut short by the assistant referee’s flag for offside.
That decision proved crucial.
Three minutes later, South Korea completed the comeback. A low cross into the penalty area found substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh, who reacted quickest to fire home from close range and send the Korean supporters into wild celebrations.
The Czech Republic pushed forward in search of an equaliser and almost found one in the 83rd minute, but goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu produced a brilliant save to deny Adam Hlozek from close range.
It was a decisive moment in the game.
South Korea held firm during the closing stages to secure a hard-earned victory that could prove vital in the race for qualification from Group A.
While Czech Republic showed resilience and remained competitive throughout, South Korea’s superior attacking play, midfield control and impactful substitutions ultimately made the difference on a memorable night in Guadalajara.
