South Korea hero Oh reveals he played through illness in World Cup opener

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

South Korea’s matchwinner Oh Hyeon-gyu revealed he had played through illness in their World Cup opener, having struck the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Czechia.

Hong Myung-bo’s team produced a classy display in their opening Group A contest in Zapopan on Thursday, though they had to come from behind to win.

A towering header from Ladislav Krejci put Czechia in front just before the hour mark, but Hwang In-beom’s wonderful turn and finish got South Korea level within eight minutes.

Oh then came off the bench to turn Hwang’s right-wing centre home 10 minutes from time, lifting South Korea to three points alongside Mexico, who they face in their second match next Thursday.

Oh became the eighth South Korea player to score on his World Cup debut, and the fifth to do so off the bench. Three of their last four goals at the tournament, dating back to the 2022 edition, have now come via substitutes.

But Oh almost had to sit the game out, telling reporters: “To be honest, I wasn’t feeling well. My fever went up to 38 degrees Celsius, making me wonder if I could even play.

“Just being here at the World Cup is something I am grateful for. My coach gave me an opportunity, and I’m thankful I was able to score and help the team win. As a striker, that’s all you can ask for.”

South Korea dominated possession, having 61.5% of the ball and converting that figure into 2.3 expected goals (xG), compared to Czechia’s 0.81.

The 25 passes in the build-up to Hwang’s equaliser equalled the fifth-longest passing sequence leading to a World Cup goal since 1966.

But they also had to call upon goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, who made an excellent goal-line block to thwart Adam Hlozek in the 82nd minute and also denied Michal Sadilek in stoppage time. 

Kim said: “We were controlling the game, but if we had lost after conceding first, the responsibility could have fallen on the defenders and the goalkeeper. 

“I am pleased that we were able to turn the game around and that my saves helped the team, even in a small way.”

Thursday’s victory was South Korea’s eighth at the World Cup overall, with four of those coming via 2-1 scorelines after going behind.

Czechia may now find themselves needing a result against South Africa on Thursday to have a realistic chance of reaching the knockout rounds.

Krejci’s goal made him the second Wolves player to score at the 2026 World Cup, after the recently returned Raul Jimenez, and seven of Czechia’s last 14 World Cup goals, dating back to 1990, have been headers (including as Czechoslovakia).

However, the captain was frustrated by their defensive shortcomings, saying: “I’m angry about those situations that we couldn’t handle. 

“Yes, we are getting used to the new tactics, and there may be nervousness in the first match at the World Cup, but the compactness must be there, we have to be on the pitch together. 

“We conceded two goals of a similar style. We knew how important it was to keep the lead, but we didn’t make it. Disappointment is the main feeling, but it’s only the beginning, the tournament will be long. 

“Now we’re going to be angry, but we have to prepare for the next match from tomorrow, as we know how crucial it will be.”

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