Son Heung-min looks back on a turbulent World Cup journey

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Published: 06 Dec. 2022, 16:44

Son Heung-min looks back on a turbulent World Cup journey

Son Heung-min applauds fans after Brazil beat Korea 4-1 in a round of 16 match at the 2022 Qatar World Cup at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar on Monday. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Korea's World Cup journey ended with a 4-1 defeat to Brazil on Monday, capping off a long and turbulent journey for captain Son Heung-min.

Son led the Taeguk Warriors throughout all four of their World Cup fixtures despite having sustained an orbital fracture in a recent Champions League game and undergoing surgery weeks before the tournament started. Still recovering from the invasive operation, Son played the entire tournament in a protective face mask.

Qatar was the 30-year-old's third World Cup after debuting at the 2014 tournament. He scored his first World Cup goal against Algeria in 2014, adding his second four years later against Mexico and his third against Germany that year. He has a total of 35 goals in 107 appearances for the national team.

With his recent injury, Son was unable to play at his very best in Qatar, appearing sluggish at points and perhaps failing to read plays as well as he normally would. Despite struggling with the injury, he still provided a crucial assist to Hwang Hee-chan’s winner in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Portugal.

Talking to reporters after the 4-1 defeat to Brazil on Monday, Son reflected on his personal World Cup experience and the departure of long-time Korean head coach Paulo Bento.

Son Heung-min reacts after a round of 16 match between Brazil and Korea at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar on Monday. [XINHUA/YONHAP]

Q. How does it feel that your World Cup is now over?

It’s a shame to be leaving early. But we tried our best and gave it all that we have. I personally am proud of the players. But of course I wish we could have stayed longer.

Q. How was this World Cup different from the past two?

The past two World Cups were also great memories. This time, I tried to lead the team. Watching them do so well and getting these big experiences, it reminded me of what I was like when I was younger and I am very thankful for the players. Before coming to the World Cup, I said that I wanted to make this World Cup unforgettable. The team and Korean fans have made this World Cup unforgettable.

Q. It was the first time you've trained under a national team head coach for four years. Tell us about that experience.

There definitely was more time to prepare better. Bento has achieved a lot despite being in a difficult position. I had a great relationship with the head coach. I learned so much from him over the past four years. It was a very important four years for us.

We never doubted his strategies but a lot of people were wary of his methods. Now that we have learned them by experience and were applauded for proving ourselves at the World Cup, we need to keep those teachings with us and move forward.

Q. What’s next for you?

The Premier League is on a break, so I think I should return as soon as possible and will need to play with my mask on. I was born to play football and I am a professional footballer so it’s only right to continue to play even with my mask on. Although I wish I could recover quickly and play without the mask. I will have to discuss those matters with my doctor.

Brazil's Richarlison, right, comforts Son Heung-min after the round of 16 match between Brazil and Korea at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar on Monday. Korea are eliminated from the World Cup and Brazil progress to the quarter finals. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Q. What did you think of your Tottenham Hotspur teammate Richarlison scoring against Korea on Monday?

He is a great player. Of course it wasn’t good for Korea because he played well against us and even scored against us. But I still hope the best for my Spurs teammates and hope that they can win.

Although I am now going back home, I hope my teammates do well at the World Cup.

Korean national team head coach Paulo Bento embraces Son Heung-min after the round of 16 match between Brazil and Korea at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar on Monday. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Q. Is there anything you would like to say to Bento?

I don’t know how to thank him. It was just a great time, a great experience. He always put the players first and protected the players. I became captain after he took the reins and we have a great relationship.

I learned so much from him and I can’t thank him enough for the last four years. I am very sorry to see him go but I want to wish him all the best.

BY PARK RIN, YUN SO-HYANG [yun.sohyang@joongang.co.kr]

korea joongAng daily

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Son Heung-min looks back on a turbulent World Cup journey

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