South Korea Ends First Half 0-0 Against Czech Republic, Leads Attack with Superior Possession [2026 World Cup]

South Korea finished the first half scoreless in the opening group stage match against the Czech Republic at the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup. Neither team was able to create decisive chances, but South Korea led the attack with superior passing accuracy.

Led by head coach Hong Myungbo, the South Korean national football team ended the first half 0-0 in the Group A opener against the Czech Republic at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, on June 12 (Korean time) at the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup.

South Korea held the advantage in ball possession. According to ESPN, South Korea recorded 55% possession in the first half. In expected goals, South Korea also led with 0.52 compared to the Czech Republic's 0.28.

Son Heung-min is seen regretting after missing a shot during the first match of Group A between the Czech Republic and Mexico at the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup in Zapopan Guadalajara Stadium on the 12th (Korean time). Photo by Yonhap News

The Czech Republic consistently attempted long passes in attack, but their accuracy was lacking. In contrast, South Korea orchestrated the attacking flow as early long passes from Lee Gihyeok and Lee Kangin were delivered precisely to Son Heungmin up front and left wingback Lee Taeseok.

South Korea opened up attacking opportunities in the 8th minute when Lee Kangin earned a free kick. In the 9th minute, a sharp forward pass by Hwang Inbeom led to the team’s first corner kick.

In the 11th minute, Son Heungmin took his first shot. Lee Kangin delivered a sharp pass to Lee Jaesung, who was making a run into the penalty box. Lee Jaesung laid the ball back, allowing Son Heungmin to attempt a right-footed shot, but the ball was deflected off a Czech defender.

From the resulting corner kick, Lee Hanbeom threatened the Czech goal with a header. In the 13th minute, Lee Kangin unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box. The shot was on target but was parried away by the Czech goalkeeper.

Just before the hydration break, South Korea conceded consecutive corner kicks to the Czech Republic but managed to weather the danger without conceding. After the hydration break, both teams exchanged attacks in a tense, evenly balanced contest.

Son Heungmin continued to threaten with two more shots. In the 37th minute, he received a pass from Lee Jaesung and fired a powerful mid-range effort from just outside the penalty arc, but the ball sailed just over the crossbar. In the 38th minute, after picking up the ball on the right flank, Son Heungmin cut inside diagonally and attempted a left-footed shot, but it missed narrowly wide of the post.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.