Masked Avenger? There was everything in history to be beautiful. A black mask on his face, he landed, not a cloak on his shoulders, but all the hopes of South Korea for the first time since 2010 to lead their country in the 1/8 finals. Seven-time playoff scorer, Warriors star Striker Daeguk has already made a big contribution to Qatar’s qualification, but at 30 years old and in his third World Cup, Heung-Min Son was aiming for more than just playing in the group stage.
The World Cup, which he almost missed after being shocked by Chancel Mbemba in the Marseille-Tottenham (1-2) match, is set off on the last day of the Champions League, 1 November. Four days after breaking his left eye four times, Heung-Min Son was insecure and had the whole country fearing the worst before finally flying to Qatar.
“Playing for your country in the World Cup is a dream for many children, just like mine. I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world. I can’t wait to introduce our beautiful country,” the South Korean wrote on his Instagram account on November 9.
The post was liked by nearly 1.8 million fans, the vast majority from South Korea. Heung Min Sung is a true idol of the country, following in the footsteps of Cha Bum Geun, considered the best Asian player of the 20th century, and Park Ji Sung, a legend of the 2000s. embarrassed to suggest that he follow in his footsteps at the Mancunian club last season in the English media: “He is a better player than Rashford, I think he deserves to continue my legacy at Manchester United. Tottenham are not a trophy club. »
The invitation was turned down for Son Heung-Min, who continues to delight the Spurs. With Antonio Conte’s team, he became the first Asian player to win the Golden Boot (top scorer award), scoring 23 goals in a draw with Mohammed Salah. The trophy he came to present in Seoul, where he was greeted with pomp by hordes of supporters.
“Wearing a mask is not an inconvenience for him”
However, this end of 2022 is going much worse than expected. Less visible with his club (5 goals and 2 assists in 19 games), South Korea’s No. 7 also lives like a ghost this World Cup 2022. Uruguay (0-0 draw), then against Ghana (2-3 loss), the star striker has yet to be decisive in either goal or assist. To make matters worse, South Korea, having lost the lead, is on the brink of relegation with one point in two games. The Daeguk warriors must defeat Portugal and hope Uruguay dominates Ghana to get out of it.
“I had to play better individually and also better lead the team. It hurts so much that I can’t. I can’t ask for more from my teammates. If they continue to do what they are already doing, I will be a truly grateful captain,” Heung-Min Son apologized after the brutal defeat to Ghana. Performances at half-mast, when he already scored three times in the World Cup (once in 2014 against Algeria, twice in 2018 against Germany and Mexico).
“I really don’t know what to say. We all tried, and I’m sorry that we could only achieve such a result. I feel very sorry for all our fans who supported us,” Heung-Min Son repeated after the second Group H match. Should we then reduce his inefficiency to his mask? “He got used to it well during training. He needs to be comfortable on the field. Wearing a mask does not cause inconvenience, it is natural for him, ”his coach Paulo Bento said at a press conference.
Whatever the reasons, Korea’s No. 7 must now believe in a miracle to take his team to the round of 16. “This is not a good situation for the team, but we will try to do what the coach wants us to do and we will prepare as best as we can,” Son explained after the loss to Ghana. Answer this Friday, December 2, with the decisive match against Portugal.
In the stands, we should again see the same black masks flourish on the side of the South Koreans. Fans still believe in their masked vigilante. And be careful, in cartoons it often ends well…
Source: Le Parisien
I have worked in the news industry for over 10 years. I have a keen interest in sports and have written for many different publications. I am currently working as an author at 24 News Recorder. I cover mostly sports news but also write about other topics such as current affairs and politics. I have a strong interest in social media and how it can be used to engage with audiences.
