South Korea finally broke a 16‑year streak of opening‑match defeats at the FIFA World Cup, edging Czechia 2-1 in Group A at Estadio Guadalajara. Goals from Hwang In‑Beom and substitute Oh Hyeon‑Gyu turned a 57th‑minute setback into a historic win, reviving hopes of a knockout run. Possession favored the Taegeuk Warriors at 62%, underscoring their control.

Coach Hong Myung‑Bo stuck with his 5‑2‑3 formation, a tweak introduced in March after losing anchor Park Yong‑Woo to injury. Wingbacks surged forward, morphing the shape into a de facto 3‑4‑3 that generated early pressure. Lee Kang‑In drifted inside to act as a number‑10, creating chances, though most attempts came from distance. Their high press unsettled the Czech side.

Czechia’s equaliser arrived via a long throw that set up Ladislav Krejčí’s header three minutes before the hour mark, exposing South Korea’s set‑piece frailties. Hwang answered in the 67th minute, slipping past the keeper with a deft finish, while Oh sealed the comeback ten minutes later after a pass from Paik Seung‑Ho. The win puts the Taegeuk Warriors atop Group A. Czechia must bounce back.