Late Drama As 10-Man South Korea Beat Czech Republic In World Cup Opener

Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu struck in the 80th minute to complete a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory for South Korea against the Czech Republic in their World Cup Group stage opener.

Despite dominating possession and chances, Son Heung-min’s side fell behind against the run of play in the 59th minute. Czech captain Ladislav Krejci powered home a header from Vladimir Coufal’s long throw – remarkably his team’s first shot on target all match.

Son, who had five of South Korea’s eight first-half attempts, saw his best effort blocked by Czech keeper Matej Kovar. But the tide turned after the hour mark.

Feyenoord midfielder Hwang In-beom sparked the revival just eight minutes after the Czech opener. Receiving a clever pass from the lively Lee Kang-in, Hwang spotted keeper Matej Kovar off his line, faked a shot, then lofted the ball into an empty net to level the scores.

South Korea thought they had been undone by another set-piece when Tomas Soucek nodded in a 78th-minute free-kick, but the goal was ruled offside – a huge reprieve for coach Hong Myung-bo’s men.

Moments later, Besiktas forward Oh Hyeon-gyu tapped home from Hwang In-beom’s cross to put Korea ahead.

The win was secured only by two desperate saves from keeper Kim Seung-gyu – first denying Adam Hlozek at close range in the 82nd minute, then thwarting Michal Sadilek in stoppage time.

The victory marks South Korea’s first winning start to a World Cup campaign in four editions.