Son Heung-min and Hong Myung-bo, who played in the position before the attack but remained silent in the national team after Tottenham, could not laugh either

Mar 20, 2025

A match between South Korea and Oman in the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup at Goyang Stadium on the 20th. South Korea's Son Heung-min is disappointed as it ended in a 1-1 draw. Goyang = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.03.20/

A match between South Korea and Oman in the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup at Goyang Stadium on the 20th. Son Heung-min is regretful after missing Lee Kang-in's cross. Goyang = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.03.20/

'Captain' Son Heung-min (Tottenham) struggled, but failed to produce any significant results.

South Korea's A national team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, drew 1-1 against Oman at Goyang Stadium in Gyeonggi Province at 8 p.m. on the 20th in Group B of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup. With 15 points (4 wins and 3 draws), South Korea had to settle for the lead. From the North Korea-China World Cup, the number of countries that advance to the finals will increase from 32 to 48. In Asia, 8.5 tickets were also allocated, up from 4.5 to 4. In the third qualifying round, the first and second places in each group will win a ticket to the North Korea-China World Cup finals. Even though I twisted it on this day, I still have a chance.

Hong operated the 4-2-3-1 system. While Joo Min-kyu (Daejeon) was in the one-top, Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung (Mines) and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) stood at the second line. Park Yong-woo (Al Ain) and Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham) were paired with defensive midfielders. Lee Tae-seok (Pohang), Kwon Kyung-won (Corpacan Club), Cho Yoo-min (Sharjah), and Seol Young-woo (Zvezda) were located in Fourback. Cho Hyun-woo (Ulsan) defended the goal.

The third qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup in Asia between South Korea and Oman held at Goyang Stadium on the 20th, and Son Heung-min is regretful after missing a shooting chance. Goyang = Reporter's book@sportschosun.com/2025.03.20/

Son Heung-min moved tirelessly to and from all areas of the attack. His position, which started with the left wing, changed to a central attacking midfielder in the middle of the first half. In the second half, he went back and forth between the front line and midfield. But there was no income. Son Heung-min sought opportunities with active movements, but failed to create a significant chance. A sharp free kick in the extra time of the first half was blocked by the goalkeeper, and all he had was a mid-range shot slightly off the crossbar in the fourth minute of the second half.

Son Heung-min has shown sluggish performance at Tottenham recently. Although he played his best for nearly a decade, criticism from experts and fans crossed the line. It came down from its heyday. There were calls to deprive the captain of the armband and release it. Even though he played well, the reaction was similar.

The national team was a different stage. Son Heung-min said "The fans will have high expectations ahead of this year's first game. The first step is important" It would be nice to confirm the advance to the finals early while proceeding with the World Cup qualifying round. However, it should not be forgotten that the players were in a difficult situation. Players should be praised for their hard work. Two games are important. But while playing soccer, I never thought of the next game"He fired up his fighting spirit. "Playing in the Premier League is my childhood dream, but playing for my country is bigger than my dream. The national team is such a precious position to me. I'll do my best and do my best," he added.

But there was no rebound. He did his best, but he failed to score an attack point on the same day. When Son Heung-min was silent, the national team couldn't laugh.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.