Korea representative 2 – 1 Czech representative

South Korea fought back from a goal down to claim a deserved 2-1 win over Group A rivals Czech Republic in their second World Cup game at the Estadio Guadalajara.

Myung-bo Hong’s side were the better side throughout but fell behind after a number of misses from Heung-min Son while Ladislav Krejci headed in Wladimir Kaufal’s second-half long throw.

The Czech Republic’s lead lasted just eight minutes, but In-Beom Hwang equalized for South Korea when he cut in from Kang-In Lee’s pass and clipped a deft finish inside the post.

Tomas Sosek thought he had put the Czechs in front when he headed in from another set-piece, but the West Ham midfielder was flagged for offside before South Korean substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh headed home In-Beom Hwang’s low cross for the winner.

The win put South Korea level on points with Mexico, a 2-0 win over South Africa in their opening game in Group A, and rewarded an impressive team performance in which they displayed a high level of technical quality.

Key Moments in Guadalajara…

• 14: Kang-in Lee forces first save with a long-range shot
• 19: The first Mexican wave is seen around the Estadio Guadalajara!
• 39: Putra fires wide of the best chance of the first half
• 56: Golden chance for Son but Matej Kovar lives tall
• 59: Goal! Kaufle whipped in a long throw and Krejci steamed in at the near post to score the first attempt on goal for the Czech Republic.
• 67: Goal! In-beom Hwang scores a beautifully taken leveller
• 77: Sušek has a goal ruled out for offside for the Czechs
• 80: Goal! The comeback is complete for South Korea as Hyeon-Gyu Oh converts from close range
• 90+3: Late chances for Czech Republic but Seung-gyu Kim denies Michal Sadilek to secure the points for South Korea

Analysis: South Korea excels in clash of styles

On the evidence of their performance in Guadalajara, South Korea should not be underestimated in this tournament. They were deserved winners in a game defined by a clash of styles.

The Czech Republic’s tendency to play straight was evident from the early stages of the game. It was fitting that their goal came from a long throw. They struggled to create openings in open play.

South Korea, however, played with guts and imagination, sharing 62 percent of the possession and completing nearly twice as many passes as their opponents, 464 to the Czech Republic’s 242.

The boy is definitely the face of the team. The former Spurs forward featured prominently in the game but did not lack his old style as he sent all but one of his six shots off target.

It speaks to the depth of their quality, though, that South Korea can score the goals they need anyway. Both of them worked brilliantly, with starring contributions from In-Beom Hwang and Kang-In Lee, two of the game’s standout performers.

South Korea are now set to battle co-hosts Mexico for top spot in Group A. They look like potential dark horses after this impressive opening showing.

The match winner reveals the fear of illness

Hyeon-Gyu OhThe scorer of South Korea’s winning goal, revealed he almost missed the game after feeling ill in the build-up.

He said, I cannot express my emotions in words. “Today my body temperature rose to 38 degrees because I was not feeling well.

“I was wondering if I would even be able to play. It was made possible by our staff and medical team. Playing in the World Cup is something I should be thankful and grateful for. As a striker I am relieved and grateful.”

head coach Myung-Bo HongMeanwhile, praised the mentality of his side.

“It was our first game and a very tough match. The win itself makes me happy, but the more positive thing is that our boys won without giving up.

“I knew we were more than capable of winning, so at 1-1, I told the boys to keep playing the way we’ve been playing.”

Czech Republic coach Miroslav Kaubek “Something went wrong” but admitted “the better team probably won”.

“We played very well, it could have been a draw and we could have won,” said Koubek, who face South Africa in their second group match on Thursday.

What does the result mean?

South Korea’s stunning comeback in the film

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