Dutch media put the spotlight on the standout performance of Hwang In-beom, who plays in the country's pro league.
The Netherlands' largest daily, De Telegraaf, reported on the 12th that in the North and Central America World Cup group qualifier between Korea and the Czech Republic, Korea, led by Hwang In-beom, came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1. Hwang In-beom belongs to the storied Dutch club Feyenoord.
De Telegraaf said Feyenoord also posted highlights of Hwang In-beom, who emerged as the game's top star, and scenes from the match on social media (SNS) to congratulate him.
Another major daily, AD, highlighted the equalizer and go-ahead assist by Feyenoord midfielder Hwang In-beom and lauded him as "the protagonist of the match who led Korea to victory."
Eurosport's Dutch edition, a European sports outlet, also assessed that Hwang In-beom played a decisive role in both of Korea's goals with 1 goal and 1 assist. Hwang attempted 81 passes and completed 73 of them, according to the tally. That was the most passes by any player in the match.
Eurosport noted that although Hwang In-beom had focused on rehab due to a chronic foot injury this season and missed Feyenoord's late-season games, this match served as a splendid return.
Meanwhile, Korea beat the Czech Republic 2-1 at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico on the day. Early in the second half, Korea conceded the opener to the Czech Republic, but central midfielder Hwang In-beom and forward Oh Hyeon-gyu (Beşiktaş) each scored to complete the comeback.