Former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu revealed he overcame a debilitating fever to emerge as South Korea’s hero, scoring a dramatic late winner against Czechia in their FIFA World Cup opener on Thursday, June 11.
The Taeguk Warriors maintained their reputation as second-half specialists, fighting back from a goal down at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, to secure a vital 2-1 victory and launch their Group A campaign in style.
Oh, who plays his club football for Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas, was a major doubt ahead of kick-off after falling ill. However, the 25-year-old forward was introduced from the substitutes’ bench by manager Hong Myung-bo in the 69th minute, replacing Tottenham Hotspur talisman Son Heung-min.
It took the super-sub just 11 minutes to make his mark. In the 80th minute, Oh found space in the penalty area to slide home a clinical finish, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling South Korean contingent.
Speaking to reporters after the match, an emotional Oh paid tribute to the national team’s backroom staff for getting him match-ready.
“I cannot explain my emotions in words,” Oh said. “My body temperature today had gone up to 38 degrees Celsius, because I wasn’t feeling well. I wondered if I could even play. It was only possible thanks to our staff and the medical team.”
The match had earlier looked to be heading towards a disappointing start for South Korea. After a tense, goalless first half, Czechia broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when defender Ladislav Krejc rose highest to head home.
True to form, South Korea refused to capitulate. They found a lifeline in the 67th minute when midfielder Hwang In-beom levelled the score with a well-struck effort, setting the stage for Oh’s heroic intervention.
Manager Hong Myung-bo praised his players’ psychological resilience, emphasising that the squad’s refusal to give up was the most encouraging takeaway from a demanding opening fixture.
“It was our first game and a very difficult one,” Hong said in his post-match press conference. “The win itself makes me happy, but what’s even more positive is that our boys won by not giving up. I knew that we were more than capable of winning, so at 1-1 I told the boys to keep playing the way we’ve been playing.”
With three points safely secured, South Korea now turn their focus to a formidable clash against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca next week-a match that could decide the winners of Group A.
“Now, Mexico is another important match,” Hong added. “We will spend the next week preparing properly.”
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