Ladislav Krejci 'wakes up the whole Czech Republic' as media reacts to Leeds target's World Cup display

Leeds United's reported target Ladislav Krejci scored as Czechia lost their World Cup opener 2-1 to South Korea on Friday.

The 27-year-old was relegated from the Premier League with Wolves this season but completed a permanent move from Girona, having arrived on loan with an obligation to buy last summer.

The defender is now under contract until 2030 at Molineux, but will likely be allowed to leave for the right price this summer.

Leeds have emerged as a contender for Krejci, who can provide cover both at centre-back and in midfield.

The Whites managed to secure Ethan Ampadu to a new contract but remain uncertain about the future of Pascal Struijk, who is attracting interest this summer.

The Dutchman has spoken about the possibility of leaving before, and little progress has been made on extending his contract that currently expires in 2027.

Krejci's magical moment ultimately in vain

Football Insider exclusively revealed in April that Leeds have Krejci on their shortlist this summer, and the situation at Wolves may help their cause.

Relegation was one thing to make an exit possible for every player at Molineux this summer, but the decision to sack Rob Edwards has made the situation even more unstable.

Decision-makers looked set to stick with the Englishman until, seemingly out of nowhere, he was dismissed on Thursday.

Gil Vicente manager Cesar Peixoto is expected to replace him, but several players have reportedly been left angered by the decision.

Krejci may well be among them, and the defender has done well to raise his profile ahead of a possible move.

Rising home to brilliantly head home Vladimir Coufal's long throw, the 27-year-old looked to have put Czechia on the path to victory before quick-fire goals from Hwang In-Beom and Oh Hyun-Gyu turned the game on its head.

"Ladislav Krejčí breaks away from the defender and wakes up the whole Czech Republic in the morning," wrote Czech outlet iSport on the moment.

"Goal! And once again a goal! The national team is only now, seriously, stepping out of the shadows, and after twenty years, they are scoring a goal at the World Cup."

Krejci's goal was "the moment of his career", writer Radek Sprynjar added.

Stats tell story of Krejci's up and down display

Really, Krejci's goal came after a period in which the defender had been struggling to keep up with the South Korean attack.

Hong Myung-Bo's team were set up to press high and play through the lines with speed, and they did it well.

The 27-year-old misplaced 12 of his passes throughout his time on the pitch, and failed to complete any of his six attempted long balls.

Krejci did not lie down, however, with three tackles, three clearances and three recoveries indicating his defensive solidity. It is fair to say, however, that it was the space he left by being dragged into midfield that was exploited for Oh's winner.

But it was not a night to forget for Krejci, who has done himself no harm in the possibility of a move away this summer.