"You have to score to win in soccer," even Park Ji-sung expressed regret... South Korea dominated with 8 shots to 2 against Czech Republic but ended the first half 0-0.

*This content was translated by AI.

The South Korean national soccer team controlled the flow of the match but ended the first half without scoring due to a lack of clinical finishing. Park Ji-sung, a South Korean soccer legend and JTBC commentator, also expressed regret.

Under the guidance of coach Hong Myung-bo, South Korea ended the first half of the Group A match against Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in CONCACAF, held at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico, at 11 a.m. on the 12th (Korea time), with a 0-0 score.

South Korea was drawn into Group A along with host nation Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Africa. The first opponent is Czech Republic, led by coach Miroslav Koubek. Since the result of the first match can significantly impact the group stage dynamics, this is a crucial match for South Korea where points are essential.

Coach Hong Myung-bo deployed a 3-4-2-1 formation. "Captain" Son Heung-min (LAFC) was positioned as the forward, while Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) and Lee Jae-sung (Mainz) were placed in the second line to support the attack.

The midfield was handled by Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) and Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham). On the wings, Lee Tae-seok (Austria Vienna) and Seol Young-woo (Crvena Zvezda) took their positions.

The three-man defense was anchored by "monster defender" Kim Min-jae. Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland) and Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon FC) formed the defensive line together. Notably, Lee Ki-hyuk, who surprisingly made the final CONCACAF World Cup roster, also played in his dream World Cup debut. Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo) guarded the goal.

South Korea took early control with Lee Kang-in's experienced game management and precise passing. In the 12th minute of the first half, after Lee Kang-in's fantastic pass, Son Heung-min created a great chance. However, the shot deflected off the Czech defense. In the subsequent corner kick situation, Lee Han-beom's header shot missed the target.

South Korea continued to attempt attacks, but no goal was scored. Son Heung-min took five shots in the first half alone, but they were either blocked by the opposing defense or missed the target, leaving him with regret. Ultimately, despite holding 55% ball possession and dominating with 8 shots to 2, South Korea ended the first half 0-0. To maintain momentum in the second half, a first goal is essential.

Commentator Park Ji-sung also emphasized near the end of the first half that "soccer is a sport where you must score to win."

When asked what message he would give to the players if "Park Ji-sung were to return as an active player," he replied, "They are doing well. The atmosphere is good, and since they are performing well as they are now, I would tell them to stay calm and finish things off properly."

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*This content was translated by AI.