Birmingham City midfielder Paik Seung-ho played a starring role in South Korea’s victory over Czechia on the opening day of the World Cup. Paik is the only Blues representative at the showpiece tournament in North America, although a whole bunch of players who formerly played at St Andrew’s are involved.
Overcoming Injury to Play
The 29-year-old’s participation in a second World Cup was in doubt earlier this year when Paik dislocated his shoulder for the second time playing for Blues against West Bromwich Albion. But he opted to delay the inevitable surgery to earn his place on South Korea’s plane to the World Cup.
Key Performance Against Czechia
Paik was awarded his 28th cap by Hong Myung-bo to start against Czechia in the early hours of Friday morning and he didn’t let his manager down. The Barcelona academy product anchored Korea’s midfield as they fought back from a goal down to claim a 2-1 victory.
Paik played a key role in Korea’s winning goal with a sumptuous first-time pass down the channel for midfield partner Hwang In-beom to latch onto a square for Oh Hyeon-gyu to notch the winner from close range. Blues supporters will recognise the pass from Paik, which was reminiscent of the ball he played to Ethan Laird in the build-up to Alfie May’s opening goal in the 3-0 win at Wigan Athletic last year.
Rave Reviews
Paik has earned rave reviews for his performance and his 7.75 rating on the BBC Sport website was only topped by Hwang In-beom, who scored the opening goal before being credited with the assist for the second.
