Czechs open World Cup campaign against Korea

The Czech Republic will begin its FIFA World Cup campaign against Korea in Guadalajara on Friday, hoping to extend its unbeaten run under coach Miroslav Koubek. The teams have never met in a competitive match, and victory would put the Czechs in a strong position to reach the knockout stage. Kick-off is at 4 a.m. Czech time, with players expected to face the added challenge of Guadalajara’s altitude of nearly 1,600 metres. It is Czechia’s first World Cup appearance since 2006. The team will also face South Africa and co-hosts Mexico in Group A.