Hwang In-beom stole the spotlight in Guadalajara as South Korea rallied past the Czech Republic 2-1, turning a tense World Cup Group A opener into a late comeback win. After falling behind to Ladislav Krejci in the second half, the Koreans hit back with two goals in 13 minutes to grab all three points. The result hands South Korea an early boost in a group that also includes co-host Mexico and South Africa.
Hwang’s quick equaliser and Oh’s winner
According to The Associated Press, Krejci broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, rising to head home after a long throw was launched into the box. Hwang answered in the 67th minute with a clever finish to pull Korea level, then kept his foot on the gas. The Feyenoord midfielder whipped in a low cross in the 80th minute that substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu tucked away to complete the turnaround. Reporters noted that, despite the late drama, the match played out in front of hundreds of empty seats at Estadio Guadalajara.
Son's move to LA and veteran leadership
Captain Son Heung-min, now with Los Angeles FC, led the line for Korea and carved out several chances, although he could not add to his international goal tally on the night. LAFC formally presented Son following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. Per FIFA's records, Son arrived at this tournament with three goals from his three previous World Cup appearances and is now featuring in his fourth.
A two-horse Group A early
South Korea's comeback win pulls them level with Mexico on three points after the opening round, a small but meaningful edge in the expanded 48-team format. Sky Sports reported that Korea controlled much of the ball and generated the bulk of the dangerous opportunities, a sign that the squad has depth beyond its star captain. The performance throws extra spotlight on Korea's June 18 clash with Mexico, a Group A showdown that now feels even bigger.
Attendance and a high-profile guest
Match reports listed the attendance at 44,985 in a stadium with a stated capacity of about 45,664, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino among those in the stands. The Associated Press noted that there were still many unoccupied sections, underlining the uneven sightlines and ticketing patterns that have colored some early World Cup nights. Coach Hong Myung-bo praised his players' resilience afterward, saying the victory came from refusing to give up.
Czechia's return and next steps
The Czech Republic were back on the World Cup stage for the first time since 2006, having earned their spot through a playoff earlier this year, as highlighted by the Yonhap News Agency. The defeat leaves manager Miroslav Koubek facing adjustments on defending set pieces and making better use of chances before the team's next outing.
Up next
South Korea now look ahead to a June 18 meeting with co-host Mexico at the same Guadalajara venue, then close out Group A against South Africa in Monterrey on June 24, according to the official group calendar. Wikipedia carries the full fixture list and updated standings following the opening round of games.
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