South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic: Hwang In-beom inspires a second-half comeback in Guadalajara

South Korea came from a goal down to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, riding a second-half surge to open their Group A campaign with three points. Czechia led at the break of the chances but were undone after the interval as Hwang In-beom took control of the game.

Czechia break a 20-year drought

The Czech Republic struck first in the 59th minute, Ladislav Krejci rising to head home from a set-piece after a long throw caused chaos in the box. It was Czechia's first World Cup goal in roughly 20 years, since the 2006 finals, and for a spell their physical, direct approach looked like it might be enough. Tomas Soucek thought he had a second with another header, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Hwang turns it around

The lead lasted only eight minutes. In the 67th minute Hwang In-beom equalised to settle South Korean nerves, and the midfielder was not finished there. On 80 minutes he turned provider, setting up Oh Hyeon-gyu for the winner that completed the comeback at 2-1. With a goal and an assist in the same match, Hwang became just the third South Korea player to manage the feat at a World Cup, after Choi Soon-ho against Italy in 1986 and Hong Myung-bo against Spain in 1994.

Czechia pushed late for an equaliser, but goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu stood firm, producing fine saves in the closing stages to protect the lead and secure the win. Relive the key moments on the match page, or browse the full schedule at matches.

What it means for Group A

The result lifts South Korea to three points, level at the top of Group A with Mexico, who beat South Africa 2-0 in the other opener. That leaves Czechia and South Africa both on zero points after matchday one, already needing a response to keep their last-16 hopes alive. For South Korea, a comeback win to start the tournament is the ideal platform, while the Czechs will rue letting a winning position slip after finally ending their long wait for a World Cup goal.