'First Opponent for Korea' Czech Match Previewed as a Muddy Battle: "Even If It's Not Pretty, We Win"... Warning on Set-Piece 'One-Shot'

*This content was translated by AI.

South Korea's first opponent in the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, the Czech Republic, has chosen practicality over flair. Aiming to advance from the group stage with "muddy football" that emphasizes physicality and set-pieces, this is a key area South Korea must guard against.

Reuters reported on the 2nd (Korean time) that "the Czech Republic, relying on physical strength, will aim to win in a 'not-pretty-but-effective' manner to advance from Group A of the 2026 North American World Cup."

It further explained, "While the Czech team had big-name stars during their last World Cup appearance in 2006, the current situation is different. To create results against more technical opponents, they will compete with combative and physical play."

Under head coach Hong Myung-bo, South Korea has been drawn into Group A alongside host nation Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Africa. The path is not easy from the start. The first opponent is the Czech Republic. South Korea will face the Czech Republic in the group stage opener on the 12th at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico. The outcome of the first match could significantly influence the group stage dynamics, making it a crucial contest that must be won.

The Czech team has changed from 20 years ago. During the 'golden generation' of 2006, creative stars like Pavel Nedvěd and Tomáš Rosický led the team. However, this Czech squad is focusing on practical football that features deep defensive lines and utilizes height in set-pieces.

Stanislav Levy, a football expert and former Czech national team player, acknowledged this. Levy stated, "I do not expect an attractive playing style from this Czech national team. Instead, I believe they will display organized and combative play focused on quick counterattacks and set-pieces. While this style may not be visually appealing, it could be the key to advancing from the group stage."

South Korea must also be cautious. While South Korea may have an edge in terms of star power with 'ace' Son Heung-min (LAFC), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), there is a significant possibility of struggling against the Czech Republic's tight and tough defense. Even if South Korea takes control of the match, the Czech Republic could shift the momentum with a single set-piece after forming a low defensive line.

Especially in the first World Cup match, results matter more than performance. In a cautious game, a single small mistake could decide the outcome. For South Korea, it is essential to thoroughly manage dead-ball situations such as the Czech Republic's aerial duels, free kicks, and corner kicks. The key will be to avoid being drawn into the 'muddy flow' the Czech Republic desires and instead shake their solid defensive block with quick passing transitions and wing attacks.

The player South Korea must be most wary of is Czech striker Patrik Schick. Schick currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany's Bundesliga. He is a striker with an excellent physique of 191cm and sharp finishing ability. He excels not only in aerial duels but also in converting a single chance in the penalty area into a goal.

Another attacking resource, Adam Hložek (Hoffenheim), is also a tall striker at 188cm. Additionally, 192cm midfielder Tomáš Souček (West Ham) could be a powerful option in set-piece situations. For the South Korean defense, special caution is needed against scenes where the Czech Republic's tall players converge inside the box.

Reuters also assessed that "while the Czech Republic emphasizes organized discipline and physicality, some players including Schick can pose a threat in attack."

Pavel Šulc, who plays for French club Olympique Lyonnais, is also a player to watch. Šulc has shown good form this season, scoring 11 goals in 28 league matches. As a player who has improved his condition ahead of the World Cup, he is considered another attacking option South Korea must be careful of.

Veteran coach Miroslav Koubek, born in 1951, is a manager who values discipline. Under Coach Koubek, the Czech Republic is expected to play practical football featuring organized defense, quick counterattacks, and set-pieces.

In the 2026 North American World Cup European Qualifiers, Group L, the Czech Republic recorded 5 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, accumulating 18 points to finish second in the group and advance to the play-offs. The group winner was Croatia with 26 points. However, despite competing against relatively weaker teams such as Kosovo, Montenegro, and Gibraltar, the Czech Republic did not display overwhelming dominance.

The play-off path was also not easy. The Czech Republic faced Ireland and Denmark in succession, winning both matches via penalty shootouts to dramatically secure their spot in the World Cup finals.

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*This content was translated by AI.