FIFA World Cup 2022: Not doing good job as captain, says emotional Son after South Korea storm into Round of 16

FIFA World Cup 2022: Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min said he has not lived up to the billing in Qatar so far and credited his teammates for carrying the team into the Round of 16. The Asian side defeated Portugal 2-1 on Friday.

Not doing good job as captain, says emotional Son after South Korea reach last 16 (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: South Korea’s Son Heung-min said he had never experienced such a range of emotions as he did during their stunning 2-1 win over Portugal in a Group H match of FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. South Korea stunned Portugal but they had to wait for around 10 minutes to lean their fate as they needed the result of the parallel match — Uruguay vs Ghana — to go their way.

Uruguay defeated Ghana 2-0 but it was not enough for the South Americans as they finished 3rd in the group, losing out to South Korea on goals scored.

It was high drama in the final few minutes in Group H as South Korea were level with Portugal at the end of 90 minutes while Uruguay looked set to go through as they were leading Ghana 2-0, thanks to two first-half goals from Giorgian De Arrascaeta.

However, Son Heung-min produced a moment of magic, running close to 70 yards after South Korea cleared a corner. The Tottenham Hotspur star led the break as he was in no mood to go down without a fight. As he reached the attacking third, Portugal defenders crowded him out but Son kept his composure and slipped a perfect pass to Hwang Hee-chan who fired one past Diogo Costa to spark wild celebrations.

South Korea players waited in a huddle, watching the final few moments of the other match on a mobile phone in the middle of the pitch. Celebrations began and Son was unable to control his tears of joy after they learned that Uruguay finished third despite a 2-0 win.

An emotional Son credited his teammates for ‘covering his back’, saying he has not been able to do a good job as captain in the World Cup in Qatar.

Notably, Hwang and Kim Young-gwon scored for South Korea on Friday after Ricardo Horta gave Portugal the lead as early as the 5th minute.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment a long time and I believed we could get it done,” Son said.

“I have not been doing a good job as their captain, but my team mates have covered my back. I am so thankful for them and so proud of them.

“They never gave up and made sacrifices for the team.”

SON ON HIS STUNNING COUNTER-ATTACK

Son, who is appearing in his third World Cup, braved a face injury as he traveled with the team to World Cup, dismissing doubts over his availability.

Shedding light on the stunning counter-attack that he led, Son heaped praise on goal-scorer Hwang, saying that the Wolves striker wanted to prove his mettle at the World Cup.

“When we cleared the corner, I had run for almost 80 meters. It was not easy in the last minute of the game. When I was in front of the box, I could see 3-4 players around me, it was impossible for me to shoot,” Son said.

“So, I see suddenly Hwang is coming from the left side. I couldn’t see the passway, but I saw the only way was between the legs. Luckily, the ball went inside and lee finish was really good. I am really happy for him because he was injured and he was very, very worried. He is such a good player and he should be in the World Cup to showcase his personality and then what he did today was incredible. I am very happy and very pleased,” he added.

South Korea are likely to face Brazil in the Round of 16 as the 5-time champions are looking set to Group G on top.