'Overcoming 38-degree fever with a comeback goal': Oh Hyeon-gyu's incredible fighting spirit washes away the sorrow of being a reserve player without a jersey number

*This content was translated by AI.

Four years ago, he was a reserve player without a jersey number. But now, he has risen as the hero of South Korea's comeback victory in the national team. Striker Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besiktas) endured a fever nearing 40 degrees and displayed incredible fighting spirit, finally scoring a dream-like goal on the World Cup stage he had longed for.

Under the guidance of coach Hong Myung-bo, the South Korean national team secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Czech Republic in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup Group A, held at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, on the morning of the 12th (Korea time). With this result, South Korea earned a valuable three points and started the tournament on a high note.

South Korea was drawn into Group A along with host nation Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Africa. Having secured three points from the opening match, South Korea currently sits in second place in Group A. They are now chasing first-place Mexico, who defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match. Third and fourth place are held by Czech Republic and South Africa, both with one loss.

Since all four teams in Group A are considered to have similar strength, the result of the opening match could significantly influence the dynamics of the group stage. For South Korea, this was a match where securing points was essential. In this crucial encounter, Oh Hyeon-gyu saved the day for South Korea.

The start was not favorable. South Korea controlled the game throughout the first half but had to swallow their disappointment due to a lack of finishing power. Despite leading 8-2 in shots, they failed to score and entered the second half tied 0-0.

In the early stages of the second half, defensive concentration wavered, allowing the opponent to take the lead. In the 14th minute of the second half, Czech defender Ladislav Krejci (Wolverhampton) sprinted toward the goal to meet a long throw-in from Vladimir Coufal (Hoffenheim) and scored with a header.

But South Korea did not give up. In the 22nd minute of the second half, midfielder Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) scored an equalizer, saving the team. A fantastic pass from 'Golden Boy' Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) collapsed the Czech defensive line, and Hwang In-beom controlled the ball inside the penalty box.

Opposing goalkeepers and defenders rushed toward Hwang In-beom to stop him. However, Hwang remained calm. Using skillful individual play, he deceived three opposing players, including the goalkeeper, before delivering a delicate chip shot to score the equalizer.

The final savior was Oh Hyeon-gyu. Oh Hyeon-gyu, who was substituted in to replace 'Captain' Son Heung-min (LAFC), scored the winning goal. In the 35th minute of the second half, Hwang In-beom delivered a pass from the flank, which Oh Hyeon-gyu, positioned in front of the goal, finished. Although Oh Hyeon-gyu was positioned behind the opposing defenders, he took an extra step to create a shooting opportunity and sealed the victory.

Score 2-1 comeback. South Korea held off Czech Republic's attacks until the very end, securing a valuable three points from their first World Cup match.

The North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup holds special significance for Oh Hyeon-gyu. It is his first World Cup, but it also carries a touching story. Oh Hyeon-gyu was not included in the final squad for the previous 2022 Qatar World Cup. Instead, he traveled with the reserve Seon Su-ro (CEO) team. As he was not on the official roster, he could not participate in the match, and he didn't even have a jersey number.

Experiencing the World Cup alongside senior teammates was undoubtedly a precious time. However, there remained a lingering regret about being a reserve member. After the Qatar World Cup, Oh Hyeon-gyu said in an interview with a broadcasting company, "I was a player without any jersey number. I think my feelings were quite hurt," but added, "I thought I must come to the next World Cup with a jersey number." Oh Hyeon-gyu also expressed his wish to receive jersey number 18 in the next World Cup.

Four years later, Oh Hyeon-gyu's dream became reality. He wore jersey number 18 at the North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup. He made his World Cup debut against Czech Republic and, furthermore, scored the winning goal, celebrating with an emotional ceremony.

After the match, Oh Hyeon-gyu shared his overwhelming feelings in a broadcast interview after the Czech Republic match, saying, "It is an emotion that cannot be explained in words."

His physical condition was not normal either. Oh Hyeon-gyu said, "Actually, I was in very poor condition before this match. My fever reached 38 degrees, and I wondered if I could even play," but added, "However, thanks to coach Hong Myung-bo and the staff who treated me extremely well, I was able to play and even score a goal."

He did not hide his emotion about the World Cup stage. Oh Hyeon-gyu said, "Just being able to play in the World Cup is moving and I am grateful. Coach Hong Myung-bo gave me the opportunity, and I am glad I even scored a goal."

Now, attention turns to the next match. South Korea will face host nation Mexico in the group stage's second match. Oh Hyeon-gyu said, "In the next match against Mexico, I will continue this winning momentum. I will prepare humbly, especially since the opponent is the home team."

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*This content was translated by AI.