Tactical discipline is the reason for the victory against the Czech Republic

Hong Myung-bo said South Korea’s 2-1 win over the Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup came down to keeping their shape and sticking to the plan.

South Korea trailed early in Guadalajara but turned the game around through goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu. Hong said he had told his players to stay in position and avoid giving the ball away, while Lee Kang-in was asked to hold his spot in the half-space and Seol Young-woo to attack the space behind the defence when it opened up.

He praised the squad for not giving in after falling behind. Hwang, who scored once and set up another, was also singled out for wanting to stay on beyond the 60 minutes originally planned. Hong said Oh, despite not being in ideal physical condition, improved quickly through hard work.

Hong also pointed to the altitude in Guadalajara, 1,571 metres above sea level, saying South Korea had arrived three weeks early to adapt, while the Czech Republic reached the city just before the match. South Korea next face Mexico on 19 June.