Impressive Korea starts World Cup with a bang

Korean players celebrate after winning their World Cup Group A match against the Czech Republic in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, June 11. Reuters-Yonhap

Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Thursday evening (local time) in Guadalajara to start the 2026 World Cup with a deserved win, even if it was touch and go for a while. Some missed chances meant that for a while, it looked like the points were slipping away, but in the end it was a fine performance from coach Hong Myung-bo’s men.

The Taegeuk Warriors' first opening win at the World Cup since 2010 sets them up nicely to get out Group A and into the knockout stages. The three points are welcome, but so is the fact that Korea played some exciting and attractive soccer, in contrast to the physical Czechs who mostly threatened from set pieces.

Hwang In-beom was the star; the midfielder scored a fine equalizer and then assisted Oh Hyeon-gyu for the winning goal. After all the pretournament criticism and uncertainty, there were big smiles on the faces of the Korean players and their army of fans in Mexico.

The first half belonged to the 2002 semifinalists. Lee Kang-in was pulling the strings going forward, picking out passes and finding space. Son Heung-min is still the face of the team, but it is increasingly apparent that the younger player, who seems set to leave Paris Saint-Germain for Spanish team Atletico Madrid in the summer, makes things happen.

Son had a number of chances. None of them were easy looks, but the 33-year-old was obviously disappointed not to put one of them in the back of the net. At the other end, the defense handled the European threat quite comfortably.

It was an encouraging 45 minutes, but at the break it was still 0-0 and the Czechs were very much in the game. The second half carried on in a similar vein, but the chances were of better quality. Hwang forced a save from goalkeeper Matej Kovar, and Lee Jae-sung almost put home the rebound. After 55 minutes, Son had his best opportunity, but his shot was well saved by Kovar.

Then came the sucker punch — and that it came when Korea was in control made it more painful. A throw-in, and there was Ladislav Krejci to head home. It was simple but very effective.

An undeserved and devastating defeat was staring coach Hong in the face, but then Hwang came up with something special. His turn in the area sent the whole of the Czech Republic the wrong way, and then he lifted the ball into the net. It was a goal of supreme composure and class.

There were hearts in mouths with 12 minutes remaining, as Tomas Soucek headed home a free kick but it was ruled offside. It was another reminder of Korea's defensive vulnerabilities.

Yet with just over 10 minutes left, Korea grabbed the lead for good. Hwang crossed from the right for substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu to turn the ball home from close range.

There were more scares, but Korea hung on for a richly deserved win. The Europeans were poor, but few back home will care. Next comes Mexico; the tournament co-host defeated South Africa 2-0 in their first match, and a draw would likely seal a place in the next round for Korea.

For now though, the team can bask in a win in which they showed skill, determination and composure. The World Cup has started with a bang.