"Shock Confession by Korean Striker" Even Japan Was Surprised; Oh Hyeon-gyu's "Winning Goal Fighting Spirit" Despite 38-Degree Fever

*This content was translated by AI.

When it was late reported that Oh Hyeon-gyu (25, Besiktas JK), the scorer of the winning goal that led Hong Myung-bo's team to their first victory at the 2026 FIFA CONCACAF World Cup, was not in normal condition, Japanese media outlets could not hide their surprise.

Japanese soccer media Soccer Digest on the 12th stated, "After the CONCACAF World Cup match between South Korea and Czech Republic, a 'surprising fact' was revealed," highlighting that "Oh Hyeon-gyu performed excellently as a super substitute despite his fever reaching 38 degrees."

Another media outlet, D&N, added, "Oh Hyeon-gyu made a shocking confession in a post-match broadcast interview, saying, 'I wasn't feeling well. My fever reached 38 degrees,' revealing the shocking fact that his physical condition before the match was poor."

Oh Hyeon-gyu came on as a substitute in the second half of the Group A first match of the 2026 FIFA CONCACAF World Cup finals against the Czech Republic, held at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, on this day, and scored the go-ahead winning goal that led South Korea to a 2-1 victory.

With the score tied 1-1, Oh Hyeon-gyu, who was substituted in for Son Heung-min (LAFC) in the 24th minute of the second half and positioned at the front line, rushed into the box from the right flank in the 35th minute of the second half, receiving a cross from Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), and connected with a non-stop shot to shake the net.

Oh Hyeon-gyu's goal became the winning goal that secured Hong Myung-bo's team a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in the first match of the CONCACAF World Cup and marked South Korea's first World Cup first-match victory in 16 years.

Oh Hyeon-gyu's performance on this day was even more welcome as it instantly dispelled the regrets of Hong Myung-bo's team, which had missed several decisive chances. It was also significant that he displayed his momentum at the World Cup after a stellar season with his club teams, Henk (10 goals, 3 assists) and Besiktas (8 goals, 2 assists), totaling 18 goals and 5 assists.

Moreover, after the match, Oh Hyeon-gyu confessed in a broadcast interview, "I was feeling very unwell before the match. My fever reached 38 degrees, and I wondered if I could even play." Nevertheless, he came on as a joker and scored the winning goal, so Japanese media outlets that learned of this news could not hide their surprise.

Not only in the broadcast interview, but Oh Hyeon-gyu also said in a meeting with domestic reporters in the mixed zone, "Suddenly, after eating lunch, my fever rose incredibly. I had many doubts about whether I could play the match," and added with a late smile, "I think I was in pain to atone for scoring a goal like this."

Oh Hyeon-gyu further stated, "Four years ago, I was able to score in this first match as I dreamed, and I am truly happy, joyful, and more than grateful." Japanese Soccer Digest also highlighted that "Oh Hyeon-gyu shone brilliantly on a big stage watched by the entire world."

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*This content was translated by AI.