Czechia lose opening World Cup match after surrendering lead to South Korea

Czechia made a losing return to the FIFA World Cup after a 20-year absence, falling 2–1 to South Korea in their opening Group A match in Guadalajara. Captain Ladislav Krejčí gave Miroslav Koubek’s side the lead shortly before the hour mark, raising hopes of a winning start. However, Hwang In-pom equalised only minutes later before substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu completed the comeback with the decisive goal in the 80th minute. Czechia, appearing at only their second World Cup since the country’s independence, will next face South Africa in Atlanta before taking on tournament hosts Mexico in their final group match.