'How can a goalkeeper stop a shot from that close?'

[Getty Images]
[Getty Images]

Czech Republic head coach Miroslav Koubek marveled at goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu's performance after his side fell to South Korea in their opening match of the 2026 North America World Cup, saying he could not understand how a goalkeeper could stop a shot from such close range.

The Czech Republic lost 2-1 to South Korea on Friday in Group A's opening match at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico.

The Czechs appeared to have the upper hand after Ladislav Krejci headed in the opening goal in the 59th minute. But they could not hold on. Hwang In-beom of Feyenoord equalized in the 67th minute, and Oh Hyeon-gyu of Besiktas put South Korea ahead in the 80th minute.

South Korea squandered several clear chances in the first half, while the Czechs also failed to convert a number of good opportunities in the second. Kim Seung-gyu was particularly sharp, blocking two close-range shots to keep his side in the match.

One save stood out above the rest: Kim's stop of Michal Sadilek's shot in stoppage time, which in effect sealed South Korea's victory.

Speaking after the match, Koubek acknowledged his team had their chances and singled out Kim's goalkeeping. He also praised Son Heung-min of LAFC, saying stopping him "was not easy in many respects" and calling him "a truly great player." Koubek added that his side "could have played a bit more efficiently," but said he would still encourage his players, noting they had done well.

Korea eyes third away World Cup round of 16

Meanwhile, South Korea — now on three points — began group-stage play in second place in Group A, behind Mexico, which beat South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener. The win marked only the fourth time South Korea have won their opening World Cup group-stage match, and the first time in 16 years.

In 12 World Cup appearances, South Korea have won their opening match on three previous occasions: against Poland (2-0) at the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, against Togo (2-1) at the 2006 Germany World Cup, and against Greece (2-0) at the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

The result also evened South Korea's all-time record against the Czech Republic to two wins, two draws and two losses. The two sides had never met before at a World Cup.

South Korea are now chasing a third away World Cup round of 16 — and second consecutive — having previously advanced at the 2010 South Africa and 2022 Qatar tournaments. The victory puts them well on their way to the knockout stage. In this expanded 48-team tournament, third-place finishers also advance, and two wins in the group stage would make qualification for the knockout rounds all but certain.

South Korea's next two group-stage matches are both at the same venue: against Mexico at 10 a.m. on June 19 and against South Africa at 10 a.m. on June 25 at Monterrey Stadium.


yul@heraldcorp.com