Former Celtic striker Oh Hyeongyu overcame illness to score the winning goal as Korea Republic rallied from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match, earning praise from head coach Hong Myungbo for their resilience and fighting spirit.
After falling behind to Ladislav Krejci's 59th-minute header, Korea Republic responded impressively through Hwang Inbeom's stunning equaliser in the 67th minute before Oh struck the decisive goal ten minutes from time with a sublime finish.
"It was our first game and a very difficult one," Hong said after the victory. "The win itself makes me happy, but what's even more positive is that our boys won by not giving up."
The Korean coach remained confident in his team's abilities even after Czechia had taken the lead.
"I knew that we were more than capable of winning, so at 1-1 I told the boys to keep playing the way we've been playing," he said. "Now, Mexico is another important match. We will spend the next week to prepare properly."
The winning goal capped a remarkable evening for striker Oh Hyeongyu, who disclosed that he had battled illness before kick-off.
"I cannot explain my emotions in words," Oh said. "My body temperature today had gone up to 38 degrees because I wasn't feeling well. I wondered if I could even play."
The forward credited the team's support staff for helping him recover in time to make a decisive contribution.
"It was possible thanks to our staff and the medical team," he added.
Despite the defeat, Czechia captain Ladislav Krejci remained optimistic and stressed the importance of adapting to the team's tactical approach.
"We're still getting used to the tactical approach," Krejci said. "It's also our first World Cup in a long time, so it's only natural that nerves play a part."
The Czech skipper, who had given his side the lead shortly before the hour mark, highlighted defensive organisation as a key focus moving forward.
"But the key for us is to stay compact defensively," he said. "We have to make it as difficult as possible for opponents to get to our goal."
The result gives Korea Republic a winning start to their World Cup campaign ahead of a crucial clash against Mexico, while Czechia will look to bounce back and keep their qualification hopes alive in their next Group match.