Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu Score Consecutive Goals in Thrilling 2-1 Comeback Win Against Czech Republic

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The South Korean national football team has secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic in their opening match of the North and Central America World Cup, thanks to consecutive goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu. With this win, the team has claimed victory in their opening group stage match for the first time in 16 years, since the South Africa World Cup, establishing a bridgehead for advancing to the Round of 32.

Reporter Ha Seong-nyong has the story.

[Reporter]

The national team faced the Czech Republic with Son Heung-min at the forefront, Lee Jae-sung and Lee Kang-in on the wings, and a three-back defensive line anchored by Kim Min-jae.

Dominating the game against a defensive Czech side, the team unleashed 8 shots in the first half led by Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, but struggled with the final touch.

After finishing the first half scoreless, the national team conceded the opening goal to the "tall squad" of the Czech Republic in the 14th minute of the second half.

The team failed to stop the 190cm tall defender Krejčí, who rushed to the front of the goal to connect with a long throw-in from a teammate for a header goal.

After conceding, the national team launched a counterattack by bringing in Hwang Hee-chan and scored the equalizer eight minutes later.

Hwang In-beom received a precise through pass from Lee Kang-in, feinted to deceive both the defender and the goalkeeper, and calmly found the back of the net with a right-footed chip shot, sending fans into a frenzy.

The Taegeuk Warriors embraced in celebration, and head coach Hong Myung-bo, clenching his fists, immediately substituted Oh Hyeon-gyu for Son Heung-min to push for a go-ahead goal.

In the 32nd minute of the second half, the team breathed a sigh of relief after a Souček header was ruled offside. The national team finally scored the winning goal in the 35th minute of the second half, erupting in cheers.

Oh Hyeon-gyu tapped in a cross delivered by Hwang In-beom from the right side with his left foot, turning the game around.

Oh Hyeon-gyu, who was a reserve player without a jersey number four years ago, marked his World Cup debut with a goal on his first shot, while Hwang In-beom emerged as the hero of the match against the Czech Republic with one goal and one assist.

After overcoming threats to concede thanks to consecutive super saves by goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, the national team secured a 2-1 victory, enjoying the thrill of winning their first group stage match for the first time in 16 years since the South Africa World Cup.

[Hong Myung-bo / Head Coach of the National Football Team: I believe the fact that our players did not give up and fought until the end to achieve this victory will have a much greater positive effect on our team.]

Having taken a powerful first step toward advancing to the Round of 32, the national team will play their second match on June 19 against the host nation, Mexico, which defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match.

(Video Editing: Park Jeong-sam)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.