South Korea Comes from Behind in Intense Second Half, Beat Czech Republic 2-1
- Staff Writer
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Credit AP Photo/Matias Delacroix via Outlook India
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By: Ever Hernandez
Guadalajara, Mexico- The 1st round of group A concluded with a well earned victory by South Korea. I was surprised by how poor Czech was at times and how easy it was for the South Koreans to establish the pace of play. Czech goalkeeper Matěj Kovář saw plenty of action in the 1st half, making a handful of great saves to keep the score level. South Korean attackers kept finding space behind defenders and were peppering Kovar pretty good. Heungmin Son, despite being a seasoned vereran, had no issue with pace or ball striking power. I’m feeling very encouraged if I’m a South Korea fan.
Goals:
59th minute: Czech Republic 1 South Korea 0
A beautiful throw in led to a powerful header by captain Krecji for the first goal of the game. At 6’3, he’s extremely difficult to defend especially when he began his run from the top of the box. A well placed throw in was a nifty assist. It’s obvious Czech Republic’s strength is set pieces and it felt like Czech stole one here.
67th minute: Czech Republic 1 South Korea 1
Hwang In-beom was able to find some space behind the Czech Republic and it finally paid off. Hwang was able to fake out the goalie and defenders as he pulled back from his left, and chipped it over with his right foot. A well deserved goal and a great finish. The stadium erupted as a majority of fans were cheering on South Korea.
79th minute: Czech Republic 1 South Korea 2
After having a goal denied by offsides, Czech gave up the go-ahead goal with some lazy defending. Hwang In-Bein’s cross in from the right side found Oh Hyeon-gyu as he was able to knock it in from close range. It reinforced the theme of South Korean attackers easily able to get behind the defense.
Team Ratings/Analysis -
South Korea: A
This team was impressive, and I think out of all the teams that played today, South Korea had the best showing. A comeback in a World Cup game is extra difficult yet they were up for the challenge. They were charged up and overpowered the Czechs intensity-wise. I’m extremely encouraged if I’m a South Korea fan, and I would not be surprised if they top this group. Keeper Kim Seung-gyu made a couple fantastic saves at the end of the game to secure the victory.
Czech Republic: C-
Czechia had some good moments in the game but not consistently enough to earn a higher grade. I was disappointed by how much the South Koreans were able to impose their will. They shined during set pieces, which is something I can see giving Mexico or South Africa trouble. This was worst case scenario for Czech as they needed at least one point from this match.
This group might end up being one of the more interesting groups due to pretty even matchups. It was an incredible start to this storied tournament and I can’t wait for more!
Joga Bonito!
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