Torn Socks Fighting Spirit Son Heung-min: "I'm Okay, Really Okay"

"Although the result is disappointing, I feel proud as a captain for showing everything without regret"

On the afternoon of the 24th (local time), the Group H first match between South Korea and Uruguay was held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage. South Korean player Son Heung-min's sock was torn by a tackle from Uruguay's Martin Caceres.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The fighting spirit shone and the performance was good, but the results were somewhat disappointing. Son Heung-min (30, Tottenham), captain of the South Korean national football team, who must have felt this more than anyone else, said, "I'm disappointed that we drew, but since there are still matches left, we will prepare and do well," sharing his thoughts.

Led by coach Paulo Bento, the South Korean national football team recorded a draw in their first match of the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup. In the Group H match against Uruguay held on the 24th at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, South Korea drew 0-0, failing to secure a victory but earning 1 point.

"It's okay. It's okay. It was okay." Son Heung-min, who played the full match wearing a black mask due to injury, repeatedly said he was okay in a post-match interview. He said, "I tried not to pay much attention to the injury, and it was my first match in three weeks," adding, "The players around me helped a lot, so I was able to play well."

Earlier, on the 2nd of this month, he underwent surgery for an orbital fracture sustained during a UEFA Champions League (UCL) match with his club. Returning to the pitch as a Taegeuk Warrior after three weeks, he showed a fighting spirit in the game.

On the afternoon of the 24th (local time), the Group H first match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup between South Korea and Uruguay was held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. South Korea's Son Heung-min is falling after being challenged by Uruguay's Facundo Pellistri in defense.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The black mask must have been a significant obstacle to his usual performance. Nevertheless, Son Heung-min repeatedly threatened Uruguay's players with his outstanding play. In the second half, his shoe was kicked off and his sock torn after an opponent defender stepped on the back of his right foot, but he quickly got up and continued attacking.

Son Heung-min said, "I'm not the only one wearing a mask. I saw other players wearing masks during matches, so it's not a special situation just for me," adding, "Even if it's uncomfortable, wearing the national team uniform and playing for the country is a great honor."

He continued, "Thanks to our goals and the help of the players, I was able to play well, and I think that mindset helped ease the pain," adding, "If I get hit during the match, I get hit. In football, you get hit and you hit back. Maybe it's because I didn't compete aggressively, but I wasn't afraid," smiling.

Against Uruguay, ranked 14th in FIFA rankings, South Korea (28th) showed an equal level of play, but the players expressed feelings of regret.

Son Heung-min said, "The players are quite disappointed. Both teams played well, and I think the result was fair. In a way, whether Uruguay took 3 points or we took 3 points, it was a match that could have gone either way," adding, "I'm really grateful and proud that the players feel disappointed even in that situation."

He said, "Before the match, I told the players, 'You are really good players. You can trust your abilities. Go out there without being nervous and do everything you want to do,'" adding, "I feel proud as a captain that they showed everything without regret."

Regarding questions about advancing to the round of 16, Son Heung-min emphasized, "I think it's still too early to talk about the round of 16," and "We have to show everything we have in the remaining two matches to advance, so I will focus only on the upcoming matches and give it my all."

Having appeared in his third World Cup after Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018, Son said, "Just because the start is good doesn't mean the World Cup will end well," adding, "The coach always told us that the first match is not everything in the World Cup, so the players seemed to have shaken off the pressure and played well. I also want to finish this World Cup well. My biggest desire is to perform well."

The South Korean national football team will continue their Group H second and third matches against Ghana at 10 p.m. on the 28th and Portugal at midnight on December 3rd at the same stadium.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.