South Korean soccer forward Oh Hyun-kyu emerged as the hero of the match against the Czech Republic, scoring the decisive goal just 11 minutes after being substituted. His family's story, who closed their restaurant for nearly a month to support him during the World Cup, has also gained attention.
Under the guidance of head coach Hong Myung-bo, the South Korean national team defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening match of Group A at the 2026 FIFA North Central America World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 12. Oh was brought on in the 69th minute to replace Son Heung-min and netted the winning goal in the 80th minute.
After the match, Oh shared in a broadcast interview, "I wasn't feeling well before the game. I was worried if I could play as my fever reached 38 degrees. Thanks to the staff and medical team, I was able to play and score a goal," adding an emotional touch to his performance.
In addition to his on-field success, the story of Oh's family-run restaurant in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, has resurfaced online. The restaurant posted a sign on its door stating, "Closed. We will be supporting the World Cup from June 8 to June 30," announcing an extended closure. They also apologized for any inconvenience, stating they plan to resume normal operations on July 1.
A notice on Naver read, "Our son is participating as a national team player in this World Cup, and as a family, we want to support him on-site. We ask for your encouragement for the South Korean team and our son."
Netizens reacted positively, saying, "It's understandable to close the shop to support your son at the World Cup," and, "With a winning goal, the parents must be incredibly proud. This is a story worthy of a movie."
Oh's late goal not only secured South Korea's first victory in the World Cup but also solidified his presence in the competition among the team's forwards. Despite battling a high fever before the match, he showcased his fighting spirit, culminating in an unforgettable day for him and his family.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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