Czech coach Koubek says better team won after defeat by South Korea

 (Reuters) - Czech Republic coach Miroslav Koubek praised his players for their effort in Thursday's World Cup opening loss to South Korea but said the ​better team won and his side needed to add more bite ‌to the attack to stay in the tournament.

South Korea rallied from a goal down to defeat the Czechs 2-1 in Group A, dealing Koubek's men their first loss after a string of ​six unbeaten matches.

"We really made some mistakes but also made opportunities. Our ​opponent was very fast," Koubek told reporters. "The better team won.

"We had ⁠to fight and we did," he added. "Now we need to move on. ​We need to be more attacking and creative in the last 30 metres. In ​the attack we have room for improvement."

Ladislav Krejci put the Czechs ahead with a fine header as they dominated in the air but Hwang In-beom soon equalised and then turned provider ​for substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu’s winner.

Koubek also said the Czechs needed to see more ​from key players like striker Patrik Schick and attacking midfielder Pavel Sulc both of whom he ‌substituted ⁠in the second half after the two appeared exhausted in the warm temperature.

The Czechs next meet South Africa on June 18.

"We will face a difficult opponent and we have just faced a difficult opponent," Koubek said. "It was our obligation to play ​until the end ​so it's clear ⁠the players are exhausted."

Despite a first defeat for the 74-year-old since taking the job, Koubek found positives, especially the performance ​in midfield of Alexandr Sojka who won his first competitive cap.

He ​also ⁠shrugged off the travelling in store for the Czechs who go to Atlanta next week to take on the South Africans while co-hosts and Group A leaders Mexico face ⁠South ​Korea.

"We just have to live with it because ​that is what others planned for us," said Koubek. "Our logistics team is good but it is not ​ideal we have to travel that much."