Ratings for South Korea's dramatic win against the Czech Republic: Hwang In-beom shines, Son Heung-min is out of form.
South Korea staged an impressive comeback in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup thanks to a brilliant performance from Hwang In-beom, despite captain Son Heung-min having an unlucky day.
South Korea kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign with an incredibly dramatic performance. Despite facing difficulties against the disciplined play of the Czech Republic, the Asian representatives demonstrated their resilience with two consecutive goals in the final minutes of the match to complete a 2-1 comeback victory.
A shining star and a charismatic conductor.
Hwang In-beom was the name most talked about after the match. The midfielder not only controlled the tempo but also directly created breakthroughs with moments of individual brilliance.
Alongside Hwang, Lee Kang-in continued to assert his position as the playmaker for the "Taegeuk Warriors". The tactical vision of the PSG player was key to unlocking the crucial equalizer.
A solid defense and the disappointment named Son Heung-min.
Under intense pressure from the opponent's counter-attacks, the South Korean defense held firm thanks to the leadership of Kim Min-jae and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu in the final minutes.
The most disappointing aspect of this victory was Son Heung-min's performance. Despite playing aggressively and drawing in opposing defenders, the Tottenham Hotspur star was ineffective in front of goal.
Details of the remaining players' scores
The other players in the South Korean lineup all performed their tactical roles well, creating a smoothly functioning system in the second half.
- Paik Seung-ho (7.1):The energy scanner in the midfield delivered a through pass that tore apart the defense, setting up the second goal.
- Lee Gi-hyuk (7.0):Despite playing a tenacious defensive game, he received a yellow card in injury time for a tactical foul.
- Lee Han-beom (7.0):They fulfilled their defensive duties perfectly, providing the necessary cover between the three central defenders.
- Lee Tae-seok (6.9):He played energetically on the wing before being substituted in the second half.
- Seol Young-woo (6.9):He combined effectively with Lee Kang-in on the right wing, creating constant pressure on the Czech defense.
- Lee Jae-sung (6.4):They put in a concerted effort to connect their play but lacked a bit of sharpness in their close-range finishing.
This victory not only brought three valuable points but also created a huge psychological boost for the South Korean team and their coach ahead of the upcoming matches in the "group of death" at the 2026 World Cup.
