Taeguk Warriors roar back: South Korea stun Czechia

South Korea fought back from a goal down to beat Czechia 2-1 in Guadalajara, Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu striking after the break to move level with Mexico in Group A.

South Korea came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1 at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, two second-half goals overturning an early deficit to keep the Taeguk Warriors level with Group A leaders Mexico.

After a scoreless first half, Czechia captain Ladislav Krejčí broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, rising to head home a long Vladimír Coufal throw-in. It was the lead the Czechs had threatened, and it stung South Korea into life.

The response was swift and ruthless. Hwang In-beom levelled in the 67th minute with a clever individual finish, set up by Lee Kang-in, then turned provider eight minutes later — crossing for substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu to slide home the winner in the 79th.

There was late drama. Czechia thought they had equalised through Tomáš Souček, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside after a VAR check. In front of 44,985 fans, South Korea held on.

The result leaves South Korea on three points, level with Mexico, who beat South Africa 2-0 in the opener. Czechia and South Africa are still searching for their first point of the tournament.

For Asian and Kenyan fans tuning in, it was the kind of resilient, fast comeback that makes Son Heung-min's side dangerous. A statement second half from the Taeguk Warriors.