The Koreans shot straight at goal with speed - the Czechs positioned their strong bodies.
In a clash of speed and physical strength at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, in a match in which the Asian team threatened from the ground and the European team mainly from the air, nuances decided the outcome - 2:1 for South Korea, after a turnaround in the second half.
Hong-Myung-Bo's team has taken a huge step towards the knockout stage, and the Czechs are taking little comfort in the fact that they scored their first goal at the World Cup in exactly two decades.
Korea's captain, legendary Tottenham striker, now Los Angeles' trump card in MLS Son Heung-min missed several good chances before the Czech Republic took the lead.
Tomas Coufal crossed directly from the penalty spot, and Wolverhampton midfielder Ladislav Krejci headed the ball in in the 59th minute.
It came as a shock to the Koreans, who had been playing better football for an hour, but remained composed.
Just eight minutes later, Feyenoord midfielder Hwang In-bom's classy shot past Czech Republic goalkeeper Kovarž for the equalizer. He was well assisted by Paris Saint-Germain's Lee.
Excitement flared up, and European football fans who stayed awake during those moments of the match had no regrets.
The game was played in the 79th minute when the Korean net shook - again "from the air", but Tomas Soucek's goal was disallowed due to offside.
Korea's attack followed, lightning action down the right side, and just two minutes later it was 2:1.
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It is also little consolation for Czech Republic coach Koubek that at 74 years and nine months he has become the oldest coach in the history of the World Cup. His record will soon be broken by Curacao coach Dik Advokat.
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in their opening match of the World Cup and Group A last night. The "Sombreros" will face South Korea next Thursday in Guadalajara, while the Czech Republic will play South Africa in Atlanta.
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