*This content was translated by AI.
South Korea's first opponent in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, 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, on the 2nd (Korean time), analyzed that "the Czech Republic, relying on physical strength, will aim for a 'win-at-any-cost' approach 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 for the Lee Beon (CEO) team. To secure results against more technically skilled 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 for the 2026 North American World Cup. The path is not easy from the start. Their first opponent is the Czech Republic. South Korea will face the Czechs in the group stage opener on the 12th at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico. The result of the first match could significantly impact the group stage dynamics, making it a crucial contest to secure.
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 squad. However, this Czech team is now focused on practical football, employing a deep defensive line and leveraging 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 an organized and combative style 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 Czechs' tight and tough defense. Even if South Korea takes control of the match, the Czechs 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. Within a cautious game management, a single small mistake could decide the outcome. For South Korea, it is essential to thoroughly manage dead-ball situations such as the Czechs' aerial duels, free kicks, and corner kicks. The key will be to avoid getting caught in the Czechs' desired "muddy flow" 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 imposing 191cm frame 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) can be a powerful option in set-piece situations. For the South Korean defense, special caution is needed against scenes where the Czechs' 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.
The 1951-born veteran commander, Czech coach Miroslav Koubek, is a manager who prioritizes discipline. Under Coach Koubek, the Czech Republic is expected to play practical football featuring organized defense, quick counterattacks, and set-pieces.
The Czech Republic recorded five wins, one draw, and two losses, accumulating 18 points in Group L of the 2026 North American World Cup European qualifiers, finishing second in the group and advancing 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 ticket to the World Cup finals.
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*This content was translated by AI.
