In other times, no one would have bet on an Asian team winning a World Cup match against a European team. But, in this 2026 World Cup, South Korea showed more flashy and efficient football than the Czech Republic, in a game valid for the first round of Group A, in Guadalajara, Mexico. In the 13th minute of the 1st half, Kan Lee shot from outside the area and goalkeeper Kovar saved the corner. At 38, the idol Son, a player from Los Angeles F. C., from the United States, had the opportunity to open the scoring, he was free, in the half moon of the penalty area, but he shot out. Related news: Mexico opens the World Cup by beating South Africa in a duel with three expulsions. Opening of the 2026 World Cup thrills the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico. Haitian Revolution: the history vetoed by FIFA on a World Cup shirt. The first 45 minutes were not generous with emotion. With more ball possession, South Korea didn't create many chances. The Czech Republic, with taller players, was unable to even use the aerial ball as an attacking weapon. So 0-0 was more than fair. Three minutes into the second half, Jae Lee took a low shot and goalkeeper Kovar saved it in two halves. At ten, South Korean Son once again had the game ball at his feet. Face to face with the Czech goalkeeper, he tried to do a “dig”, but hit Kovar in the chest and only managed a corner. At 13 minutes, the old football maxim of “those who don't do it, get it”, came true. In a throw-in sent into the area, Krejci went up alone and tested goalkeeper Seung Kim's net: 1-0 for the Czech Republic. In the 21st minute, South Korea equalized. In Hwang is launched into the box, takes a dribble at the Czech defender and makes a light touch to take it away from goalkeeper Kovar. A “cavadinha” goal, executed correctly this time: 1 to 1. At 31, the Czech Republic scored the second goal, with Soucek. During a free kick into the box, he headed it free inside the six-yard box, but the referee ruled it offside and the goal was correctly disallowed. South Korea reacted immediately. At 34, a low cross into the area and reserve Oh arrived with everything to push it into the net. The ball still hit goalkeeper Kovar, but there was no way, it was the turnaround: 2-1. At 36, Hlozek had the chance to equalize, in another lateral move taken into the area, but goalkeeper Seung Kim made a beautiful save at the foot of the post, preventing a certain goal. At 48, Sadilek had a great opportunity, shooting low from inside the area and, again, the South Korean goalkeeper saved his team, defending without giving a rebound. When the Egyptian referee whistled the end of the game, there was relief: the 2-1 victory made the many South Korean fans in the stadium cheer. In reality, the score awarded the team that most sought victory and showed the best football. The Czech Republic, limited by the strength and height of their players, did not have the technique to even achieve a draw in their debut. Now, Mexico and South Korea lead group A with 3 points and will face each other in the second round, on June 18, also in Guadalajara. The Czechs will have to recover in the match against South Africa, on the same date, in Atlanta, in the United States.