South Korea’s 2-1 comeback victory over Czechia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener had all the ingredients of a classic underdog story. It got even better when the hero of the hour, substitute striker Oh Hyeon-gyu, revealed post-match that he’d been running a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) while delivering the decisive goal in the 80th minute.
A fever dream turned reality in Guadalajara
The Group A match at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, didn’t start well for South Korea. Czechia took the lead, and Hong Myung-bo’s squad found themselves staring at a familiar deficit.
Oh Hyeon-gyu entered the match despite feeling unwell. His 80th-minute strike completed South Korea’s comeback, turning a 0-1 hole into a 2-1 victory and securing three crucial points in Group A.
Oh credited the medical staff for getting him onto the pitch in any condition to perform.
