"The Korea-Czech Republic match is like a coin toss": First game expected to be extremely close... Predicted score is a 1-1 draw

*This content was translated by AI.

The day of the decisive match has arrived. The South Korean national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will play its first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Securing points in the opening game is crucial for advancing from the group stage. However, foreign media predict an extremely close contest.

South Korea will face Czech Republic in the Group A opener of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico, at 11 a.m. on the 12th (Korean time). South Korea is ranked 25th in the FIFA rankings, while Czech Republic is ranked 40th.

South Korea has been drawn into Group A along with host nation Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Africa. Their first opponent is Czech Republic. Led by coach Miroslav Koubek, Czech Republic finished second in European Qualifiers Group L for the North American World Cup and advanced to the playoffs. They then faced Ireland and Denmark in succession, winning both matches via penalty shootouts to dramatically secure their spot in the World Cup finals.

This marks Czech Republic's return to the World Cup finals stage for the first time since the 2006 Germany World Cup, 20 years later. At that time, the team was led by world-class players such as Pavel Nedvěd and Tomáš Rosický. However, the Czech team has significantly changed in terms of squad composition and playing style compared to then. Rather than relying on a clear superstar, they are focusing on practical football, emphasizing deep defensive lines, organizational strength, and set pieces utilizing their tall stature.

Since the result of the first match can greatly influence the group stage dynamics, it is a match that South Korea must secure points from. However, overseas media viewed the matchup between South Korea and Czech Republic as an extremely close contest. The predicted score was also a 1-1 draw.

UK outlet TalkSport, previewing the South Korea-Czech Republic match, assessed that "South Korea holds a slight advantage thanks to players like Son Heung-min (LAFC) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain)." However, the outlet noted that Czech Republic's strength is no small matter. The media reported, "Czech Republic arrived at the World Cup on an unbeaten run in six matches. They also possess a tremendous threat from set pieces."

It further explained, "The match will be played at high altitude, and both teams have questions marks over their defenses. Both teams will likely not want to lose in the opening game. It is likely to be a cautious, low-scoring match. I believe this game will end in a draw."

The outlet then described the match as "truly like a coin toss," predicting an extremely close contest where the outcome is difficult to foresee.

The media cited the individual abilities of star players as South Korea's strength. On the other hand, it pointed out their unstable defense as a weakness.

TalkSport stated, "South Korea holds an advantage in individual ability. Son Heung-min remains an absolute presence for South Korea in this tournament, which could be his last World Cup." It added, "Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan also inject speed and creativity."

However, it raised questions about the defense. The media noted, "South Korea passed the Asian qualifiers without a single defeat. However, through the heavy defeats during the March A-match period, real doubts have emerged regarding coach Hong Myung-bo's defensive line."

Czech Republic's strength was identified as set pieces utilizing their tall stature. There are quite a few tall players in the Czech squad, with heights exceeding 190cm.

The media reported, "Czech Republic has returned to the biggest stage in 20 years. Coach Koubek has relied on organizational strength, and 10 of the national team players play for Slavia Prague (Czech Republic). They have created a clear team identity centered on defensive organization and set-piece threats."

It further added, "Patrik Schick is the center of the attack, and captain Ladislav Krejčí can also be a consistent aerial threat in set-piece situations."

However, it also raised the possibility that Czech Republic may adopt a defensive style of play. The media stated, "Czech Republic will sit deep and protect the penalty area. When not in possession, they will often form a 5-4-1 shape. Therefore, it is highly likely that South Korea will dominate possession for most of the match."

It further predicted, "South Korea has recorded an average of more than nine corner kicks in their last five official matches. In this match, South Korea is expected to gain the upper hand in the corner kick battle."

Ultimately, from South Korea's perspective, they must be cautious of Czech Republic's 'one shot.' The media also stated, "If there is a player who can break through South Korea's defense, it is Czech Republic's key player, Patrik Schick." It evaluated, "Schick has proven himself with 25 goals in 52 international matches. He also has a clear presence in aerial situations." Schick is also a striker who shared the top scorer title at Euro 2020.

The media further reported, "Czech Republic scored more set-piece goals in the European qualifiers for the North American World Cup than any other European team. This is a direct indicator of how threatening Czech Republic is in corner kick and dead-ball situations."

Meanwhile, football statistics specialist outlet Fourbet also predicted that the South Korea-Czech Republic match would end in a 1-1 draw.

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*This content was translated by AI.