South Korea vs Czechia: Why Patrik Schick and set-pieces look value in second 2026 World Cup clash

The second match of the 2026 World Cup brings a fascinating clash, with South Korea and the Czech Republic meeting for the first-ever time on football's biggest stage.

Their three previous encounters (all friendlies) have produced a win apiece and a draw, with the Taegeuk Warriors edging the most recent meeting 2–1 in Prague back in 2016, but the stakes are far higher this time.

Opta's supercomputer makes South Korea slight favourites with a 42.9% chance of victory in this Group A clash, while Czechia sit at 31.1%, and the draw at 26%. Yet despite being slight underdogs on paper, the Czechs arrive with a weapon that could tilt the balance, and the betting markets may not have fully caught up.

This is a team that scored more set‑piece goals than any other side in UEFA qualifying (11), so with Patrik Schick leading the line and Pavel Sulc supplying the ammunition, there’s a strong case for backing the Czechs to strike in the one area where they hold a clear advantage.

Why Czech Republic's set‑piece dominance makes Patrik Schick a standout bet

The Czech Republic's identity under Miroslav Koubek is built on structure, discipline and ruthless efficiency from dead‑ball situations. Their 11 set‑piece goals in qualifying weren't by chance. It was a crucial component of their attacking success and one they will undoubtedly look to exploit on the global stage.

That immediately brings Schick into focus.

The Bayer Leverkusen forward has built a reputation as one of international football's most reliable tournament performers – across just seven major tournament appearances for Czechia, Schick has scored six goals, including his memorable Golden Boot-winning campaign at Euro 2020, where he finished level with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Importantly, three of Schick's five goals during the recent 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign were headers, so with Czechia consistently creating high-quality chances from set-pieces and Schick their primary aerial target, there is a clear route to goal against South Korea.

• Patrik Schick to score a header – 15/2 (8.50) SpreadEx / Sporting Index; 13/2 (7.50) William Hill

Given Czechia's reliance on dead-ball situations and Schick's proven ability to convert aerial chances in recent outings, those odds look generous for a striker who consistently rises to the occasion on the biggest stage.

Czechia’s creative spark Pavel Sulc is a prime candidate for an assist

If Schick is the finisher, then Sulc is increasingly becoming the architect.

The reigning Czech Footballer of the Year has emerged as the creative heartbeat of the national team and enters the tournament on the back of another impressive campaign. He is comfortable operating centrally or from wider areas, and is expected to play as one of two roaming no.10s behind Schick.

Crucially, the Lyon playmaker also handles a significant share of Czechia's corners and free-kicks.

That responsibility becomes particularly relevant when considering the team's exceptional set-piece output during qualification – every dangerous delivery into the penalty area increases Sulc's chances of registering an assist, especially with a target man as effective as Schick attacking crosses.

Czech boss Koubek previously praised the the 25-year-old's development, saying: “He's a player of extraordinary quality and we're all happy that he's managed to adapt to French football so well. For some, it might be a surprise, but not for me.”

The assist market reflects his rising profile but still offers value if you shop around:

• Pavel Sulc to assist – 15/2 (8.50) Ladbrokes/Coral; 6/1 (7.00) QuinnBet

And if you want to combine the two Czech threats together, then bet‑builder options are even more enticing:

• Schick to score & Sulc to assist – 27/2 (14.50) Ladbrokes/Coral
• Schick to score a header & Sulc to assist – 20/1 (21.00) William Hill

Considering Czechia led UEFA qualifying for set-piece goals and Schick scored the majority of his qualifying strikes with his head, the latter bet has plenty of logic behind it.