The first round of Group A at the 2026 World Cup has concluded. After Mexico defeated South Africa, fans' attention turned to the match between South Korea and the Czech Republic. The encounter was tense and dramatic, with the outcome decided in the final minutes of the game.
Korean dominance and the Czech response
The first half was played under the complete control of the South Korean national team. The Asian side significantly outshot the Europeans — 8 shots to 2 — but failed to break through the opponent's solid defense. Star forward Son Heung-min had serious issues with finishing, missing several excellent opportunities while the Czech goal was reliably guarded by Matěj Kovář.
The Czech Republic, meanwhile, utilized their signature style of play. In the 59th minute, Vladimír Coufal delivered a powerful throw-in into the penalty area, where Ladislav Krejčí won the aerial duel and scored accurately with a header. The score became 0-1.
Getting back in the game and the decisive goal
The "cold shower" forced the Koreans to act more decisively. Already in the 67th minute, Feyenoord midfielder Hwang In-beom received a delicate pass, skillfully dribbled past a defender and the goalkeeper, and directed the ball into the net. The match was leveled at 1-1.
A few minutes later, the Czech Republic nearly regained the lead: Tomáš Souček scored from a free-kick delivery, but the referees disallowed the goal due to an offside position.
The turning point came after a substitution. The South Korean coaching staff substituted the tired Son Heung-min, bringing on Beşiktaş forward Oh Hyeon-gyu. It took him only 10 minutes to become the hero of the match. In the 80th minute, the fresh striker perfectly finished a quick wing attack, setting the final score at 2-1.
Match finale and group standings
In the final minutes, the Czech Republic launched a real assault, creating two dangerous chances, but the Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu saved his team with a series of spectacular saves.
Thanks to this victory, the South Korean national team earned 3 points and caught up with the group leader, Mexico. However, the Mexicans top the table due to a better goal difference.
What's next?
The second round promises important matches for the fans. On June 18, the Czech Republic and South Africa will face each other in a survival battle. And on June 19, Mexico and South Korea will meet in a direct confrontation for first place in the group.