Lee Kang-in's pinpoint pass, Hwang In-beom's chip, Oh Hyeon-gyu's volley... Hong Myung-bo's side rallies to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 and book a place in the round of 32 [2026 FIFA World Cup]

[Financial News] The proud strength of Korean football lit up the night sky over Guadalajara, Mexico. The "Asian Tigers," shaken but not broken after an early blow, used their relentless late surge to completely overwhelm European powerhouse Czech Republic. Hong Myung-bo's side marked the most important first step toward a historic first away quarterfinal appearance with a dramatic comeback win, moving one giant step closer to the round of 32.
South Korea, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, pulled off a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic in the opening match of Group A at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, at 11 a.m. on the 12th Korea time.
With both teams matching up in a 3-4-3 formation, South Korea dominated the first 45 minutes. The back three of Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae and Lee Ki-hyuk were solid, while Hwang In-beom and Paik Seung-ho controlled the midfield. Along with Lee Tae-seok and Seol Young-woo on the flanks, Lee Jae-sung, Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min up front overwhelmed the Czech Republic with heavy possession within the first 10 minutes. In particular, sharp long passes from Lee Kang-in and Hwang In-beom repeatedly exposed the space behind the Czech defense. South Korea fired 12 shots in the first half, including four on target, with Lee Kang-in's cannon-like long-range effort in the 13th minute and Son Heung-min's sharp left-footed shot in the 38th minute among the best chances, but the net never bulged. Given that the Czech Republic failed to record a single shot on target in the first half, it was a one-sided affair.

Misfortune struck in the 13th minute of the second half. Despite the sustained pressure, South Korea could not find a goal, and then, from a throw-in situation, they briefly lost track of Ladislav Krejčí, who was charging in from behind, and conceded a painful opening goal.
But the Taeguk Warriors showed their true quality when the pressure was highest. Right after the goal, Hong Myung-bo made a bold move in the 15th minute of the second half, taking off Lee Jae-sung and Lee Tae-seok and sending on Hwang Hee-chan and the highly skillful dribbler Eom Ji-sung. Then, in the 22nd minute, the long-awaited equalizer arrived. Lee Kang-in slipped in a brilliant forward pass that instantly broke through the Czech defensive wall, and Hwang In-beom, left one-on-one with the goalkeeper, calmly lifted a classy chip over the keeper to level the match. It was a signature moment that highlighted the class of two players who have grown into world-class midfielders.
As the momentum shifted, the Czech bench made a fatal mistake. Around the 19th minute of the second half, it pulled off key attacking options such as Patrik Schick, Pavel Šulc and Pavel Probošt in an effort to protect its one-goal lead. Hong Myung-bo's side mocked the Czech Republic's defensive approach with relentless pressure.

South Korea, which had come back from the brink after the Czech Republic's free-kick goal was ruled offside in the 32nd minute of the second half, completed the miracle just two minutes later in the 34th minute. Paik Seung-ho threaded a pass forward, Hwang In-beom quickly turned it into a cross, and substitute super-sub Oh Hyeon-gyu finished with a deft left-footed volley on the first touch to complete the comeback. It was another perfect substitution from the bench.
Once South Korea seized control, Kim Seung-gyu firmly locked down the back line. About five minutes after Oh Hyeon-gyu's goal, he produced a crazy super save worthy of a goal of its own, using animal-like reflexes to deny a dangerous Czech set-piece shot. In the 39th minute, Hong Myung-bo brought on Park Jin-seob and Kim Jin-gyu for Paik Seung-ho and Hwang In-beom, completely cutting off the Czech Republic's breathing room.
The Czech Republic's blunt attack could not break through South Korea's red wall in the remaining minutes, and when the referee blew the final whistle, Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico was filled with South Korea's overwhelming joy. It was a brilliant opening World Cup win, built on dominant play, inspired tactical decisions from the bench and the Taeguk Warriors' unbreakable fighting spirit. Having moved within striking distance of the round of 32, Hong Myung-bo's side now has its eyes set even higher.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter