South Korea kicked off their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic on Thursday, with substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring a late winner after the Koreans dominated much of the contest.
After controlling the first half but failing to convert a series of chances, South Korea found themselves trailing early in the second period when Ladislav Krejci headed the Czech Republic into the lead against the run of play.
Hwang inspires Korean comeback
The breakthrough South Korea had long been searching for finally arrived in the 67th minute through Hwang In-beom, who calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Matej Kovar after cleverly selling a shot.
The Czechs briefly thought they had regained control when they found the net again, only for the effort to be ruled out.
Hwang then turned provider, delivering a cross from the right that Oh Hyeon-gyu converted in the 80th minute to complete the comeback and hand South Korea all three points.
Captain Son Heung-min, who was repeatedly denied despite an energetic display, sank to the turf in celebration after the final whistle.
South Korea will next face co-hosts Mexico, who opened Group A with a 2-0 win over South Africa, while the Czech Republic take on South Africa in their second group match.
