"A moment like a movie": Hwang In-beom's goal that pierced through Czech defense, Brazilian media praises "an artistic play"

*This content was translated by AI.

Brazilian media also applauded Hwang In-beom (30, Feyenoord) for his equalizing goal that laid the foundation for South Korea's first victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North, Central America and Caribbean.

On the 12th (Korean time), the Brazilian edition of soccer specialty outlet 365Scores highlighted Hwang In-beom's goal in the first match of Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North, Central America and Caribbean between South Korea and the Czech Republic, held at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, as an "equalizing goal created with an artistic play."

That day, in the 22nd minute of the second half with South Korea trailing 0-1, Hwang In-beom received a lobbed pass from Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), then at the left side of the penalty area, completely dismantled the opposing goalkeeper and defender with a skillful feint before scoring with a right-footed chip shot.

Since it was a situation ripe for a quick shot, the opposing goalkeeper rushed to narrow the shooting angle, and the defender similarly attempted to block Hwang In-beom's shot with a tackle. However, Hwang In-beom caught everyone off guard with just one feint, then kicked the ball into the empty net to score.

365Scores praised Hwang In-beom's judgment, stating, "A scene that showed how outstanding a player the South Korean midfielder is."

The outlet noted, "Hwang In-beom completely outmaneuvered two defenders with a skillful feint and finished with a chip shot over the goalkeeper. It was a fantastic goal that equalized the score and a movie-like moment on the World Cup stage."

After the match, Hwang In-beom said, "Actually, I'm not a player who is used to facing one-on-one chances against the goalkeeper. There was space, so I made a run, and Lee Kang-in made a great pass. However, I judged that trying to shoot immediately wouldn't work because the goalkeeper is so physically imposing and the angle was too tight, so I feinted once. Fortunately, the opposing defender and goalkeeper fell for the move. It was a moment I couldn't believe I could score such a goal on the World Cup stage, yet I was proud."

Not only with this goal, but in the 35th minute of the second half, Hwang In-beom also assisted the go-ahead goal by delivering a precise pass to Oh Hyun-gyu (Besiktas), who was charging toward the goal after penetrating the right flank. Ultimately, South Korea secured a 2-1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic, with Hwang In-beom involved in both goals with one goal and one assist.

Led by Hwang In-beom's performance, Hong Myung-bo's team defeated the Czech Republic, adding history as the first World Cup Group A first-match victory since the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa against Greece. Starting the group stage in second place, trailing Mexico (3 points) by one goal in goal difference, South Korea will face Mexico in the second group stage match at the same venue at 10 a.m. on the 19th.

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*This content was translated by AI.