South Korea recovered from a goal down to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 today and earn its first three points in Group A of the soccer World Cup.
In Guadalajara, western Mexico, the Koreans won with goals from Hwang Inbeom and Oh Hyeong Gyu, after the Czechs had taken the lead with a goal from Ladislav Krejci.
In the first half, the two teams neutralized each other, with a fight in the middle of the field and few arrivals to the area.
Korea came closer to the goal with a good shot by Kang In Lee, saved by goalkeeper Matej Kovar; and a dangerous play by Heung Min Son, who arrived awkwardly at a ball in front of the goal and kicked it to the side.
In the second half, Korea came close to opening the scoring with arrivals from Kang In Lee and Jae Sung Lee, stopped by a couple of good appearances from Kovar.
Korea established itself and took advantage; In the 55th minute they were close to the goal again with a shot by Min Son, after a pass from Jae Sung.
When the Koreans played best, the Czechs took advantage. In a corner kick, Krejci took advantage of the poor marking and headed the score to 0-1.
The Czechs retreated and received punishment with an elegant goal from Inbeom in the 67th minute, who dribbled outside the area and put the ball on an angle from the right, making it 1-1.
Both teams went for the winning goal; The Koreans were dominant again and confirmed it in the 80th minute with a ball from Inbeom to Hyeong Gyu, who put the ball in the net to sign the victory.
After today’s matches, Mexico and Korea lead group A with a win in one outing, while the Czechs and South Africans add a setback.
On the second day, next Thursday the 18th, Korea will face Mexico in Guadalajara and the Czech Republic will face South Africa in Atlanta.
