Hwang In-Beom scored and assisted as South Korea rallied to a 2-1 win over Czechia at Estadio Guadalajara, producing a come-from-behind opening victory at the FIFA World Cup, according to ESPN. The result prevented what would have been South Korea’s fourth straight opening-game defeat and marked their first opening win since 2010, ESPN reported.
Often overshadowed by Son Heung-Min and Lee Kang-In, Hwang arrives with seven seasons of European club experience, having developed in Russia, Greece and Serbia before moving to Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, according to ESPN. His role in South Korea’s midfield often sees him creating chances for higher-profile teammates, ESPN noted.
Czechia had taken the lead in the 57th minute when a long throw led to a Ladislav Krejčí goal. Ten minutes later Hwang produced an industrious off-the-ball run, was played in by Lee Kang-In, and beat Czech goalkeeper Matěj Kovář with a feint and a lifted finish to level the match. The strike was Hwang’s seventh for the Taegeuk Warriors, according to ESPN.
Hwang then set up the winner with about 10 minutes remaining. Released by a visionary pass from central midfield partner Paik Seung-Ho, Hwang drifted wide and delivered a cross to substitute Oh Hyeon-Gyu, who finished first time to decide the contest, ESPN reported.
The match was attritional and South Korea made several changes, with Son and Lee Jae-Sung both substituted by the 70th minute. In their comeback, Hwang was singled out for his leadership and work rate as others struggled to find rhythm, according to ESPN.
Hwang had been a major doubt before the tournament after an ankle injury in March ruled him out for the remainder of Feyenoord’s season, and midfield enforcer Park Yong-Woo was already ruled out, with Paik also a doubt. Both Hwang and Paik recovered in time to play significant roles on Thursday. “It was a good game. Not just for myself but for the team,” Hwang told ESPN after the match.
