Hong Myung-bo's Squad Scoreless Against Czech Republic at Halftime; Son Heung-min Misses Close-Range Shot

The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, finished the first half of their opening group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup without scoring.

The South Korean squad ended the first half in a 0-0 deadlock after a tight battle against the Czech Republic in their first Group A match of the World Cup group stage, held today (June 12) at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico.

South Korea controlled the tempo throughout the first half, repeatedly knocking on the Czech Republic's door.

They showed an aggressive display, leading 7 to 2 in total shots and 1 to 0 in shots on target.

Captain Son Heung-min led the attack for Hong's squad, which deployed a three-back system they have been honing over the past year.

Lee Jae-sung and Lee Kang-in were positioned on the left and right of the second line of attack, while Hwang In-beom and Paik Seung-ho formed the midfield.

Lee Tae-seok and Seol Young-woo started as the left and right wingbacks, while the three-back defensive line consisted of Lee Ki-hyuk, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Han-beom from left to right.

Kim Seung-gyu started in goal.

The Czech Republic also fielded their best lineup.

Key striker Patrik Schick led their attack, with defender Ladislav Krejčí deployed in the backline.


South Korea recorded their first shot in the 12th minute of the first half.

Son Heung-min received a cutback pass from Lee Jae-sung, but his shot deflected off a defender.

In the ensuing cross, Son's header went over the crossbar.

In the 14th minute, Lee Kang-in unleashed a surprise mid-range shot, but the opposing goalkeeper made a diving save.

In the 21st to 22nd minutes, the Czech Republic earned consecutive corner kicks—their specialty—seeking an opening goal, but the South Korean defense calmly cleared the danger.

Later, in the 38th and 39th minutes, Son attempted consecutive right-footed and left-footed shots from near the penalty arc, but both missed the target.

During first-half stoppage time, Son connected with a cutback pass from Lee Tae-seok and managed a shot while falling in front of the goal, but it went agonizingly wide.

With both teams prioritizing defense, the overall tempo of the match was somewhat slow.


In this tournament, the number of participating nations has expanded from 32 to 48, allowing even third-placed teams in the groups to advance to the knockout stage.

Grouped with Mexico and South Africa in Group A, South Korea aims to finish the group stage as high as possible to secure a favorable matchup in the Round of 32.

In the earlier opening match between Mexico and South Africa, host nation Mexico secured a 2-0 victory amid a chaotic game that saw three players sent off.

Meanwhile, contrary to weather forecasts predicting rain, the skies over Guadalajara Stadium remained clear.

In the VIP section, Korea Football Association President Chung Mong-gyu, who has announced his intention to resign after this tournament, watched the match seated next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
 

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.