England opening batsman Danny Wyatt Hodge produced one of the most heart-touching moments of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 when he celebrated a brilliant unbeaten century against Sri Lanka with a touching cradling gesture dedicated to his newborn daughter Daisy. The veteran batsman made sure his special family milestone was part of an unforgettable cricket night at Edgbaston.

Women’s T20 World Cup, England vs Sri Lanka, highlight | Achievement:

Wyatt Hodge was the first to have a baby-rocking celebration after completing his half-century off just 32 balls. As the crowd applauded his historic achievement, he slowly waved his bat in a cradling position, a tribute to Daisy, who was born just a few weeks earlier.

he repeated the celebration After completing his century in BirminghamEmotions ran high after a memorable innings with his bat once again. After the match, Wyatt Hodge confirmed that the celebration was for his daughter Daisy and hoped that television cameras would have captured the moment.

A video shared on social media by his partner Georgie Hodge made the ceremony even more special. In the clip, Georgie can be seen standing in front of the television holding baby Daisy in her arms, while watching Wyatt Hodge reach his fifty years of age. As the England star celebrated the cradle on screen, the emotional family moment instantly won the hearts of cricket fans online.

Wyatt Hodge and football agent Georgie Hodge got married at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London on June 10, 2024, after dating for several years. The couple announced they were expecting a baby girl in late 2025 and welcomed their daughter in May 2026, making them first-time parents.

How Wyatt Hodge shook Sri Lanka

While the celebration grabbed the headlines, Wyatt Hodge’s batting was equally spectacular. Starting the innings, he scored unbeaten 105 runs in just 62 balls with the help of 13 fours and one six. She made a brilliant opening partnership of 135 runs with Amy Jones and helped England post a tournament-record 219 runs for one wicket, the highest score in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Her innings was the seventh century in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup and led England to a crushing 87-run win over Sri Lanka. Wyatt Hodge, who returned from parental leave just weeks after becoming a mother, could hardly have scripted a better comeback. The century, the celebration and the family bond combined to create one of the defining moments of the opening day of the tournament.

On the basis of his innings, England won the match by 87 runs. They next face Ireland at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on June 16.

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In Dharamshala, in the shadow of the Dhauladhar ranges, the road to India and Afghanistan via South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia begins. Well, India has started their campaign to the peak as they are hoping to reach the peak two years from now. FIFA World Cup is going on in America. India women will start their T20 World Cup campaign on Sunday. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill’s men, away from the glare of those bright lights, are beginning their quiet, long journey to next year’s ODI World Cup.

With Virat Kohli ruled out of the series due to injury, all eyes will be on Rohit Sharma – who will turn 41 when the ODI World Cup is played in October-November next year.

And there are a lot of possibilities for Rohit in these three matches. Neither he nor Kohli are automatic selections now; The selectors have made this very clear. Rohit reached this series He was troubled throughout the IPL 2026 season as he raced against time to recover from a hamstring injury, which limited him to just nine games. He scored 283 runs while serving largely as an impact player.

Unlike Kohli, who let his bat do the talking in yet another victorious season for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rohit has a point to prove to the selectors.

Fit-again Rohit eyes big runs

At least, the assurance is that he is fit and ready. Bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed this On the eve of the match.

Morkel said, “It’s always good to have his experience back. The calmness he brings to the dressing room is always positive. He’s been training well, he’s progressing well. I know he’s excited to get going tomorrow.”

While Rohit played a key role in India’s ODI tour of Australia last year, he was able to score only 61 runs at an average of 20.33 in the three-match series against New Zealand earlier this year. Since age is not on his side, every series now is a proving ground. He will be well served by repeating the form of the 2025 season – 650 runs at an average of 50 from 14 matches.

But the focus won’t just be on the old guard. India will also use this series to test their depth in the absence of Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been included in the squad as cover, is the designated back-up opener, and along with KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan, he will be one of the options India are considering for the No. 3 spot. Morkel confirmed this, indicating that the management would rotate all three through that slot throughout the series.

Ishan, chosen as the second wicketkeeper, is likely to don the gloves in the opening matches of the series – if Friday’s training session was any indication – and will bat at No. 3.

India also has new faces in the fast bowling department. Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar have been included in the squad, and one of them could make his debut on Saturday, pairing with Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh to lead the new-ball attack in Bumrah’s absence.

Can Nitish Reddy move ahead?

Then there is Nitish Reddy, who steps into a bigger role after Hardik Pandya was ruled out due to injury. Under Morkel, Nitish has a chance to hone his bowling, and this series will be a real test of that development – ​​particularly his ability to contribute with the ball at international level.

Morkel said, “I always encourage players to go out and work and develop their game when they get the chance. Nitish did that. From a technical point of view, we worked to create more balance so that the energy flows down the wicket – both departments have improved. We are excited to see them working together on the international stage.”

Washington Sundar and Harsh Dubey will join Kuldeep Yadav in the spin group. The management will keep a close eye on both all-rounders as they continue to build a potential World Cup squad.

India, he said, cannot take Afghanistan lightly – and it would be unwise to try to do so. Yes, they defeated Richard Pybus’s side in the one-off Test last week, but Afghanistan are far more dangerous in white-ball cricket. With Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Allah Ghazanfar a formidable spin trident, and Sediqullah Atal bringing flair and enterprise to an impressive batting unit, Afghanistan will be much more than pushovers in this ODI series.

pitch and conditions

Dharamsala is as beautiful as any venue in world cricket, but the HPCA Stadium is more than just a backdrop. When set at height, the ball travels faster away from the pitch, generally providing good pace and bounce. Some swing is expected with the new ball, although this is generally a batsman-friendly ground – teams chasing have won five ODIs here compared to four for teams batting first. In the last ODI at this venue during the 2023 World Cup, Australia scored 388 runs, with New Zealand falling woefully short by five runs – a reminder that big scores are very much on the table.

However, weather can be a factor. Light rain is expected in the afternoon, the temperature will be around 17 degrees Celsius and the humidity will be 74 percent. If the skies open up, the pitch will help the bowlers more and the outfield will be slower, making the toss – and the captain’s understanding of the conditions – even more consequential. Both sides may prefer to bowl first.

Team news and predicted XI

India

Selection talks in the build-up have focused almost entirely on the No. 3 slot. Morkel confirmed that India will rotate options throughout the series – with Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal all in contention. For the series opener, Ishan Kishan is most likely to get the nod at No. 3, with his attacking intent providing a different dimension to the top order. Jaiswal, naturally suited to open, is likely to be kept in the reserves, while Rahul would be better served at No. 5, a position he has established himself in with consistent performances.

Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar are set to make their ODI debut alongside Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh in the pace attack. Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar and Harsh Dubey provide spin cover.

India predicted XI: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav.

afghanistan

Rashid Khan joins Dharamshala straight away after their IPL campaign, while Mohammad Nabi – who is already with the team – is said to be unwell, which could make way for one of their younger options. Fast bowler Mohammad Saleem, who impressed in the one-off Test in New Chandigarh, has been included in the ODI squad and he could come in place of Bilal Sami or one of the spinners depending on the circumstances.

Afghanistan’s probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Azmatullah Umarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Allah Ghazanfar, Zia ur Rehman Sharifi, Farid Ahmed Malik.

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Danny Wyatt-Hodge (Image Credit: T20 World Cup)

New Delhi: Danny Wyatt-Hodge scored an unbeaten century as hosts England made a strong start to their campaign in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 as they defeated Sri Lanka by 87 runs in the tournament opener at Edgbaston, Birmingham on Friday.Wyatt-Hodge’s brilliant innings helped England post a record 219/1 – the team’s highest score in Women’s T20 World Cup history – before their bowlers completed a dominant all-round performance by bowling out Sri Lanka for 132.

After Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and decided to field, England’s opening pair of Amy Jones and Danny Wyatt-Hodge set the right platform with a strong 135-run partnership.The hosts made a cautious start but showed great momentum after the powerplay, scoring 51 runs without any loss in the first six overs and then took complete control of the match.After being dismissed for 12 and then 48, Jones made the most of two respites and scored 53 runs from 38 balls and registered his seventh T20I half-century.Sri Lanka finally got the breakthrough in the 14th over when Jones mistimed Malki Madara and gave a simple catch to Athapaththu at mid-off.

If Jones provided the foundation, Wyatt-Hodge provided the fireworks.The experienced opening batsman scored her first century of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup and only the seventh in the history of the tournament. This was his first century of the World Cup and also the second century scored by an English batsman in the competition.Wyatt-Hodge, whose partner Georgie gave birth to their first child on May 20, played a brilliant innings and remained unbeaten on 105 off 62 balls. She hit 13 fours and one six and achieved this feat by sweeping it to the boundary.The right-handed batsman wielded his bat throughout the innings and ended the historic effort by hitting a four on the final ball.England also performed strongly, scoring 26 runs in the final over – another record for the tournament.Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt finished the match with an unbeaten 46 off just 22 balls and shared an unbroken 84-run partnership with Wyatt-Hodge for the second wicket.

Faced with a tough target of 220 runs, Sri Lanka never managed to build any meaningful momentum in the chase.Freya Kemp performed brilliantly with the ball and took 4 wickets for 22 runs in her four overs. Charlotte Dean and Sophie Ecclestone took two wickets each, while Lauren Bell and Lynsey Smith took one wicket each.Sri Lanka struggled against a disciplined England attack and were eventually bowled out for 132, giving the hosts a comprehensive 87-run win.

England’s 219/1 overtook the previous highest Women’s T20 World Cup score of 213/5, which England themselves scored against Pakistan in 2023.The win also underlined England’s credentials as one of the title contenders as they made a strong start to their domestic World Cup campaign.England next face Ireland at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on June 16, while Sri Lanka take on New Zealand at the same venue on the same day.

Team’s highest score in Women’s T20 World Cup

Most centuries in Women’s T20I

Century in Women’s T20 WC

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to begin, excitement is flowing around what promises to be one of the most open tournaments in recent memory. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who is part of ZEE5’s World Cup coverage panel in India, believes that many teams are capable of winning football’s biggest prize, while also identifying some secret horses who could spring a surprise.

In an exclusive chat, the Indian football legend shares his views on the leading contenders, the players he is most excited to see, and whether Cristiano Ronaldo can finally complete his trophy cabinet with a World Cup win. He also reflects on the rise of Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and his potential to become football’s next global superstar.

Beyond the World Cup, Bhutia reflected on the state of Indian football and the reasons why the country lags behind Asian powers like Japan and South Korea. From grassroots development and youth pathways to long-term planning and governance, he has outlined the changes he believes are necessary if India are to one day compete on football’s biggest stage.

Excerpts from the interview:

Question: Which team will you support in FIFA World Cup 2026?

Bhaichung Bhutia: It is very difficult to pick a team that can win the World Cup because it is one of the most open World Cups. You can name seven or eight teams that can actually win it.

But if I have to support a team coming from Asia, I would like to see Japan do well. They are a great team and a hidden horse in this tournament.

I would also like England to perform well. They have come very close over the years and expectations from the English players are always high. I want to see England winning the World Cup again after 1966.

Then you have Cristiano Ronaldo, who has not won a World Cup. If Messi has done it then why can’t Ronaldo do it? I wouldn’t mind if Portugal wins and Ronaldo retires after lifting the trophy.

In terms of favourites, there is Spain, France is as good as any team, Argentina is strong, and I still think Belgium and Brazil are the hidden horses. When you talk about the World Cup, Brazil is usually one of the favorites, but this time they might not even be in most people’s top eight. To me, this makes them dangerous.

Q: Which players are you most excited to see?

Bhaichung Bhutia: I am going to give you a mix of experience and youth.

Lamine Yamal is playing in his first World Cup. He has already won the European Championship with Spain and is seen as the next big thing in world football. With Messi and Ronaldo potentially playing their last World Cup, they have the opportunity to establish themselves on the biggest stage.

Erling Haaland has had an amazing club career and is one of the best strikers in the world. But the World Cup is the biggest stage in football and he would like to prove himself there.

Julian Alvarez is another player who can make a big difference. He has had a very good season with Atletico Madrid and, along with Messi, he will be a key factor for Argentina.

For me, one of the best strikers I have ever seen is Harry Kane. I consider him one of the greatest strikers of all time. England has a strong team and a new coach. Kane’s experience and leadership can take him far.

And then there’s Cristiano Ronaldo. He is one of the greatest footballers we have ever seen. Messi fulfilled his dream in the last World Cup. It would be amazing to see Ronaldo do the same.

Question: Can Cristiano Ronaldo still make a difference in this World Cup?

Bhaichung Bhutia: I think Ronaldo is lucky to have one of the best midfields in world football behind him. This Portugal team will create chances and Ronaldo will remain a proven goalscorer.

He may not be as fast as he was five or ten years ago, but if you give him the opportunity, he can still score goals.

It is not going to be easy as age is not on their side, but Portugal have a team capable of going to every level. Ronaldo can still score important goals and maybe even help Portugal win the World Cup.

Question: Is Lamine Yamal Messi’s successor?

Baichung Bhutia: It can happen. Lamin Yamal has all the qualities to become the next Messi.

My only concern is that he is just 19 years old and there has already been some negative publicity surrounding his life away from football. He will need the right guidance and the right people around him.

We have seen many young footballers make great starts and then lose their way. If he stays focused on football, his future is bright as his talent is undeniable.

Q: Japan and South Korea have become World Cup regulars. Why was India left behind?

Bhaichung Bhutia: One of the biggest problems is that we need an honest long-term youth development programme.

Development is taking place in some places, but often it is happening only in name. We need a proper environment where children can train and compete throughout the year.

We also need a strong structure and system. Even today, we don’t know what is happening with some of our competitions and leagues.

Most importantly, we need committed and passionate people at the district, state and federation level who really want to take Indian football forward.

Unless this happens, people with ideas and vision will not get the opportunity to bring about change.

Q: What would you say to a 14-year-old who asks why India is not playing in the World Cup?

Bhaichung Bhutia: We need to create the right culture and environment for children to play football.

Grassroots level development is extremely important. We have a Vision 2047 plan for Indian football, but the implementation at the ground level is almost non-existent.

Our first duty should be to introduce games to as many children as possible. We then identify talent, nurture it and create an environment where those players can train and compete regularly.

That structure is still missing and our long-term plan has not been implemented sincerely.

Q: If you could fix one thing about Indian football, what would it be?

Bhaichung Bhutia: I will create a team of enthusiasts at every level in the states and federations.

It should come from passion and love for the game.

Yes, there are challenges. You need base, infrastructure and money. But if you have passion, you will go out and ask for support from governments and corporates.

There is immense talent in India. The problem is not lack of talent. The problem is that we have not created the systems, opportunities and platforms to nurture that talent and develop players into top quality footballers.

Q: What are your World Cup predictions?

Bhaichung Bhutia: Spain is definitely one of my favourites. Argentina too.

I can see Portugal progressing in the tournament and England progressing a lot.

Brazil remains a mystery horse for me, and Japan may surprise a lot of people.

If I had to choose two finalists I would choose Spain and Argentina.

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Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Aashirwad Suryavanshi

New Delhi: Cricket seems to run in the Suryavanshi family. While teen sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi is making headlines on the international stage, his younger brother Ashirwad is now gaining attention with the bat.At just 10 years old, Ashirwad Suryavanshi scored a brilliant century in a local practice match in Samastipur, giving a big indication that another talented cricketer could emerge from the family.Representing Cricket Academy Tajpur, Ashirwad scored 103 runs in just 87 balls. His innings was full of fours and he hit 20 fours and one six at a strike rate of 118.39.The youngster’s fearlessness mirrors that of his elder brother Vaibhav, who has been a nightmare for world-class bowlers.Thanks to Ashirwad’s brilliant century, Cricket Academy Tajpur scored 234/4 in 29.5 overs, in which Shivam Raj contributed 52 runs. After reaching the three-point mark, the youngster celebrated by taking off his helmet, a moment that instantly caught attention.

The achievement was also celebrated by Vaibhav, who is currently in Sri Lanka for the Tri-Nation A series featuring India A, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A. The 15-year-old shared the scorecard of the match on his Instagram story, proudly acknowledging his younger brother’s achievement.

Vaibhav itself has enjoyed huge growth in the last year. He recently earned a place in India’s T20 squad for the series against Ireland and England as well as the Asian Games squad, becoming the youngest player to receive the honor at the age of 15 years and 71 days.Currently he is on Sri Lanka tour with the Indian team and has scored 58 runs in two matches.

The youngster also enjoyed a dream IPL 2026 season, scoring 776 runs to win the Orange Cap. He was named Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player of the Year and Super Striker, while also scoring the most number of sixes in the tournament. Among his many achievements was a record-breaking century which was scored off just 36 balls.Now, with Ashirwad making waves at the junior level, the Suryavanshi family’s cricket story seems to be just beginning.

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has dismissed concerns about any problems as Rohit Sharma prepares to return to cricket. Three match ODI series against AfghanistanWhich will start in Dharamshala on 13th June. The former fast bowler also hinted that India will use the series to give chances to their in-form batsmen, with three players potentially getting a chance to fill Virat Kohli’s No. 3 spot during the series.

India will begin the final phase of their 18-month preparations for the ODI World Cup Likely to be held between October 1 and November 21 In South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The team will go into the series without some of its big names, including the rested Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli, who were injured during the IPL final.

There were also concerns over Rohit Sharma’s availability after he suffered a hamstring injury during the IPL 2026 season, having featured in several matches for Mumbai Indians as an impact player. However, Rohit passed the BCCI fitness test in time and joined the team.

According to reporters, fresh concerns emerged after the star batsman trained in Mohali wearing slightly different-looking thigh pads, which provided extra protection around the injured hamstring area. However, Morkel dismissed any such concerns and insisted the 38-year-old is fit and ready to go.

Incidentally, Rohit was among the first players to walk out for batting practice on the eve of the first ODI at the beautiful HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.

Asked about the thigh pads, Morkel said, “I didn’t even pay attention to it.”

He said, “It shows that I don’t think there is any problem. He has passed all his fitness tests. He has passed and is ready to go. Obviously, the balls are coming at a fast pace and you want to protect yourself, even if there is a little bit of trouble. But I can assure you there is nothing wrong. Rohit is progressing well and training well. Very excited to see him go.”

“It’s always good to have his experience back. The calmness he brings to the dressing room is always positive. He’s been training well, he’s progressing well. So I know he’s excited to go too.”

Who will bat in place of Kohli?

Meanwhile, Morkel hinted that Virat Kohli’s vacant No. 3 spot could become a revolving door for Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has replaced the former skipper as well as KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan in the team.

Incidentally, Kishan was wearing the gloves during training on the eve of the first ODI, while KL Rahul, who usually bats at No. 5, may be promoted up the order.

With ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer also in the mix, India’s batting unit looks more capable despite Kohli’s absence.

“In terms of that number three slot, it is something we will play with in this series. Be it Ishan or KL or Yashasvi, it is a good opportunity now. We have some one-day matches coming up and we will give people a chance in different slots.

“Just to give ourselves a better idea of ​​how we can move forward and structure the team and have different options,” the former South African fast bowler said.

India will also have Nitish Kumar Reddy in the lower middle order, with the all-rounder expected to help fill the void of Hardik Pandya, who was ruled out of the ODI series due to injury.

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Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson (AP/PTI)

kane williamsonHis retirement from international cricket has reignited discussions about one of Test cricket’s most iconic milestones: 10,000 runs.The New Zealand great ended a remarkable 16-year international career with 9,515 Test runs to his name, leaving him just 485 runs short of joining the 10,000-run club. His retirement means he becomes the latest batting great of modern times to come close to achieving the historic feat without quite getting there.Here are four legendary batsmen who retired just short of the coveted 10,000 Test runs mark.

1. ken Williamson (New Zealand)

Williamson’s decision to retire midway through New Zealand’s Test series against England surprised many, especially given how close he was to the 10,000-run milestone.The former New Zealand captain became his country’s highest international run-scorer across all formats with 19,346 runs. In Test cricket, he scored 9,515 runs in 110 matches at an impressive average of 54.06, which included 33 centuries and six double centuries.Williamson, widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest cricketers, left the game just 485 runs away from joining Test cricket’s most exclusive batting club.

2. Virat Kohli (India)

One of Williamson’s fellow members in the famous “Fab Four”, Virat Kohli Retired before reaching the coveted milestone.The Indian batting superstar announced his Test retirement on May 12, 2025, ending a career that changed Indian cricket as both a batsman and captain.Kohli scored 9,230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85 and scored 30 centuries. Given his fitness level and experience, many believed he still had enough potential left to achieve 10,000 Test runs, but he opted out with 770 runs still needed.

3. Graeme Smith (South Africa)

One of the youngest captains in Test history and one of South Africa’s greatest leaders, Graeme Smith unexpectedly retired during the final Test of the 2014 series against Australia.Smith retired from his career at the age of just 33, a decision that shocked the cricket world as it seemed that he still had many years of cricket left in him.The left-handed batsman ended his Test career with 9,265 runs in 117 matches at an average of 48.25, which included 27 centuries. Had he continued a little longer, the 10,000-run mark would almost certainly have been within reach.

4. Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Another South African great who missed the milestone by a narrow margin was Hashim Amla.Known for his brilliant strokeplay and remarkable consistency, Amla retired from international cricket in August 2019 after establishing himself as one of the finest batsmen of his generation.He scored 9,282 Test runs in 124 matches at an average of 46.64 and scored 28 centuries. Amla remains South Africa’s second-highest Test run-scorer and still holds the record for the highest individual Test score by a South African.Like Williamson, Kohli and Smith, Amla also came close to the historic 10,000-run mark, but ultimately missed out on becoming a member of cricket’s most exclusive batting club.

Former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu revealed he overcame a debilitating fever to emerge as South Korea’s hero by scoring the winner in a dramatic finish against Czechia in the FIFA World Cup opening match on Thursday, June 11.

The Taeguk Warriors lived up to their reputation as second-half specialists by coming back from a goal down at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. To secure a vital 2-1 win and start their Group A campaign on a high note.

Oh, who plays his club football for Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas, was a major doubt before kick-off after falling ill. However, the 25-year-old forward was brought off the substitutes’ bench in the 69th minute by manager Hong Myung-bo in place of Tottenham Hotspur talisman Son Heung-min.

It took just 11 minutes for the Super-Sub to make its mark. In the 80th minute, Oh found space in the penalty area to deliver a clinical finish, sparking wild celebrations among the traveling South Korean contingent.

Speaking to reporters after the match, an emotional Oh paid tribute to the national team’s backroom staff for preparing him for the match.

“I can’t express my feelings in words,” Oh said. “Today my body temperature went up to 38 degrees Celsius because I was not feeling well. I wondered if I could even play. This was possible only thanks to our staff and the medical team.”

At first it seemed that the match was heading towards a disappointing start for South Korea. After a tense and goalless first half, Czechia broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when defender Ladislav Krejci rose above with a header.

In truth, South Korea refused to surrender. They got a lease of life in the 67th minute when midfielder Hwang In-beom equalized the score with a fine effort, setting the stage for Oh’s bold intervention.

Manager Hong Myung-bo praised his players’ psychological resilience, and emphasized that the team’s refusal to give up was the most encouraging achievement from a challenging opening match.

“It was our first game and it was very difficult,” Hong said in the post-match press conference. “The win in itself makes me happy, but what’s even more positive is that our boys won by refusing to give up. I knew we were capable of winning, so at the 1-1 draw I told the boys to keep playing the way we are playing.”

Having safely secured the three points, South Korea now turn their attention to a strong clash against co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca next week – a match that could decide the winners of Group A.

“Now, Mexico is another important match,” Hong said. “We will spend the next week preparing properly.”

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