▲ Oh Hyeon-gyu runs toward the corner after scoring the comeback goal during the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Group A match between South Korea and the Czech Republic at Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, on June 11 (local time).
Striker Oh Hyeon-gyu (Beşiktaş), who led the South Korean national football team to victory with a comeback winning goal in his first-ever World Cup appearance, revealed that he was in poor condition due to a high fever before the match. He expressed his gratitude to the support staff and head coach Hong Myung-bo for giving him the opportunity to play.
On June 12 (Korea Standard Time), Oh scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A opening match against the Czech Republic at Akron Stadium in Jalisco, Mexico, breaking a 1-1 deadlock and securing a 2-1 comeback victory for South Korea.
Starting the match on the bench, Oh replaced captain Son Heung-min in the 69th minute and changed the fate of both teams just 11 minutes after stepping onto the pitch.
In a post-match broadcast interview, Oh became emotional for a moment, saying, "I can't even describe this feeling in words." He then confessed, "Actually, I wasn't feeling well before the match today. My fever reached 38°C (100°F), and I thought a lot about whether I would be able to play."
He added, "I was able to play because all the staff and doctors here took care of me. That is how I was able to score."
He continued, "Just playing in the World Cup is a moving and grateful experience," and added, "I am grateful that the coach gave me the opportunity, and as a striker, I am relieved and thankful that I could score and help us win."
South Korea will now face the host nation, Mexico, in their second match at the same venue on June 19.
Mexico moved to the top of the group after defeating South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's opening match held earlier today.
Oh pledged, "Following the positive energy of today's victory, we will remain humble. Since it is Mexico's home ground, we will analyze our opponent well and give 100 percent, or even more, to secure another win."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.