South Korea’s Son Heung-min Chases World Cup Record Amid Goal Struggles
Son backs himself to shine at 4th World Cup as South Korea seek turnaround. The 33-year-old talisman says players “need to know where team-mates are with eyes closed” ahead of Group A opener vs Czech Republic.
Son is tied on three World Cup goals for South Korea and says the squad must rebuild confidence after heavy friendly defeats...
Son Heung-min said he feels “feeling great” ahead of the World Cup and believes he can still deliver, even with questions about whether his best days are behind him.
The 33-year-old South Korea captain has scored just twice since moving from Premier League club Tottenham to Los Angeles FC in the MLS last August.
Son has also had a tough time with South Korea, who go into the World Cup after a poor run of results. They’re in Group A with the Czech Republic, South Africa, and co-hosts Mexico.
South Korea were beaten 4-0 by Ivory Coast and 1-0 by Austria in their recent warm-up matches.
Speaking to reporters at the team’s training camp in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Son tried to lift spirits in the squad.
“A lot of people are worried, but I'm only worried if I'm not playing well,” he said.
“I don't think it's the case now. Physically, I am feeling great.”
South Korea face the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on June 11, the opening day of the tournament being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.
They reached the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before being knocked out 4-1 by Brazil.
Son, who will be playing at his fourth World Cup, said the players “need to know where our team-mates are with our eyes closed.”
“Of course we want to get to a higher place this time and do better than the last World Cup,” he said.
“But we can't predict the future. Other teams will be preparing just as hard.”
Son has netted 54 goals in 143 appearances for South Korea and has been the team’s driving force for over 15 years.
He’s scored three goals at World Cups, putting him level with Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan for South Korea’s all-time record.
“Obviously, it's impossible not to be hearing about these records. People have been talking about them, and fans have taken great interest in them,” Son said.
“But I've just not been thinking too much about them.
“If I put the team above all else and worry about how I can help the team first, then goals will naturally follow.”
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