GUADALAJARA, Mexico, June 12 — South Korea came from behind to snatch a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their World Cup Group A opener early this morning, with substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring the winner in the 80th minute.
South Korea captain Son Heung-min squandered several promising chances before his Czech counterpart, Ladislav Krejci, broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 59th minute, heading home from a long throw-in.
However, the lead proved short-lived as Hwang In-Beom kept his composure to dink the equaliser over the goalkeeper eight minutes later.
Tomas Soucek thought he had restored the Czech Republic's advantage with a header from a free kick in the 77th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Less than three minutes later, South Korea completed the turnaround as Hwang turned provider, pulling the ball back for Oh to fire home from close range.
Co-hosts Mexico top the group following their 2-0 victory over South Africa and will face South Korea in Guadalajara next Thursday, while the Czech Republic take on South Africa in Atlanta.
