South Korea began their World Cup campaign on a winning note with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday, finally turning their dominance into goals after creating a host of chances.
For much of the match in Guadalajara, it appeared the Koreans would be left to rue their wastefulness in front of goal. However, substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu struck the decisive winner in the 80th minute to secure all three points.
Led by captain Son Heung-min, South Korea controlled large spells of the first half but struggled to find a breakthrough. Son came close on several occasions, first firing over the bar before weaving past two defenders with a trademark run, only to see his effort drift wide.
The second half sprang to life when the Czech Republic took the lead against the run of play. Ladislav Krejci rose highest at the near post to head powerfully past goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.
South Korea continued to press and were rewarded in the 67th minute when Hwang In-beom produced a moment of quality. The midfielder deceived the defence with a dummy before delicately lifting the ball over goalkeeper Matej Kovar for the equaliser.
The Czech Republic briefly thought they had restored their advantage, but a goal was ruled out. South Korea then completed the turnaround as Hwang turned provider, delivering a cross from the right that Oh calmly converted to seal victory.
A frantic finish followed, but South Korea held firm. At the final whistle, Son collapsed to the turf in celebration as his side secured a deserved opening-day win.
South Korea will next face co-hosts Mexico on June 18 after the Mexicans defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening Group A match earlier on Thursday. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, will take on South Africa in Atlanta on the same day.
AFP
