South Korea Secures Comeback Victory Against Czech Republic in World Cup Opener

South Korea emerged victorious against the Czech Republic with a 2-1 comeback win in their FIFA World Cup opener. The winning goal was scored by substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu in the 80th minute.

The Czech Republic initially took the lead in the 59th minute when captain Ladislav Krejci headed home a long throw from Vladimir Coufal. Eight minutes later, Hwang In-beom equalized for South Korea. Hwang, found by Lee Kang-in, deceived goalkeeper Matej Kovar before scooping the ball into the net.

A potential go-ahead goal for the Czech Republic, scored by Tomas Soucek in the 78th minute, was disallowed for offside. Shortly after, Oh Hyeon-gyu tapped in a cross from Hwang, completing South Korea's comeback to make the score 2-1.

South Korea's goalkeeper, Kim Seung-gyu, made crucial saves to maintain the lead, blocking Adam Hlozek's close-range effort in the 82nd minute and denying Michal Sadilek in stoppage time. This victory represents the first time South Korea has started their World Cup campaign with a win in four editions.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino was among the spectators at Estadio Guadalajara, where the announced attendance for the match was 44,985. Fifa has faced criticism regarding its ticket policy for the World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Infantino defended the pricing structure as "accurate" for the North American market, citing "unprecedented" demand.

South Korea's captain, Son Heung-min, who is playing in his fourth World Cup, was replaced two minutes after his team's equalizer. His replacement, Oh Hyeon-gyu, then scored the winning goal. Son holds the record for most national team appearances with 145 and has scored 56 goals for his country.

The Czech Republic is scheduled to play South Africa on Thursday, June 18. South Korea will face World Cup co-hosts Mexico on Friday, June 19.

(Source: Yahoo Sports Soccer)