South Korea rallied from a goal down to ‌defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 and make a winning start to their World Cup Group A campaign, much to the delight of their fans and the sizeable local Mexican support they enjoyed in a festive Guadalajara on ​Thursday.

The Koreans joined Mexico on three points at the top of the pool after ​the co-hosts defeated nine-man South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener in Mexico ⁠City.

Ladislav Krejci put the Czechs ahead with a fine header as the European side dominated ​in the air, but Hwang In-beom equalised shortly afterwards and turned provider for substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu’s ​winner.

Oh had come on for the misfiring Son Heung-min, who had five chances in the first half alone but endured an off-day in front of goal and is still two goals shy of the all-time scoring record ​for the side, failing to add to his 56 strikes.

South Korea next face Mexico ​on June 18 and the Czechs travel to Atlanta to meet South Africa on the same day.

There were ‌noticeable ⁠areas of empty seats in the stadium, but the vast majority of the 44,985 in attendance were firmly behind the Koreans.

It was a game of contrasting styles, the technical quality and passing range of the Koreans versus the brute strength and direct style of the Czechs.

The ​first half was goalless ​but the game sprang ⁠to life in the second period and it was the Czechs who took the lead after 59 minutes when Krejci rose highest to head ​home from a long throw by Vladimir Coufal.

South Korea were level ​eight minutes ⁠later and it was a fine goal too. Lee Kang-in’s excellent through ball created the shooting opportunity for Hwang In-beom and he cut inside before curling a right-footed shot low into the far ⁠corner.

Korea ​were undone by a set-piece again when Thomas Soucek ​headed in a free kick, but the flag was raised for offside as the Czechs’ first game at the World Cup ​in 20 years ended in defeat.