South KoreavsCzech Republic

Son's Philadelphia encore after 2002 heroics

Philadelphia hosted South Korea's iconic 2002 World Cup run, including their golden goal win over Italy. Now 36, Son Heung-min leads a new generation at Lincoln Financial Field. The Czechs arrive with a physical backline marshaled by Tomáš Holeš, but lack tournament experience — their last World Cup was 2006. Paulo Bento's Korea will target quick transitions through Lee Kang-in, exploiting gaps behind Czech fullbacks.

The Schick-Souček aerial equation

Czech Republic's gameplan hinges on Patrik Schick's hold-up play and Tomáš Souček's late runs into the box. Korea's Kim Min-jae must dominate duels against Schick's 6'2" frame. Set pieces could decide this — 43% of Czech goals in Euro 2024 qualifying came from dead balls. Watch Hwang Hee-chan's diagonal runs against Vladimír Coufal, who struggled against pacy wingers at West Ham last season.

Group A's early third-place insurance

With Portugal heavy favorites to top Group A, this match likely determines who advances as runner-up or among the best third-placed teams. A draw keeps both alive but risks leaving one needing a result against Portugal. Korea's superior tournament pedigree (10 straight World Cups) contrasts with Czech Republic's 16-year absence. The 3pm ET kickoff in Philadelphia's June humidity favors Korea's conditioning under Bento.

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