It was Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur). Son Heung-min, the “captain,” presented Hong Myung-bo with his first win as the national team coach.
Son Heung-min scored one goal and two assists in the second Group B match against Oman in the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup at Sultan Qaboos Stadium in Muscat, Oman, on the 10th (local time).
Contrary to his score, the game was not easy in terms of content. However, Son Heung-min, the captain and flagship striker, played a role of troubleshooter, as he was involved in all three of his team’s goals. As a result, Hong Myung-bo, who returned to the national team after 10 years, was able to secure his first win after his return to power.
Son Heung-min, who started as a left-side striker and played full-time, said in an interview with a broadcasting station after the game, “I think it’s the most important to take three points,” adding, “I’m so happy to take three points in a difficult game like today.”
Son Heung-min, who could not hide his disappointment with a firm look after the 0-0 draw against Palestine, smiled brightly after the match. 메이저놀이터
Son Heung-min said, “Winning is always very good. To win like that, you have to sacrifice a lot and make a lot of effort,” adding, “I think all the players came together today and achieved good results.”
In addition, he said, “I will do my best to show the best game every time and also to perform the best game of my life,” adding, “I will not relax until I reach the 2026 North-China World Cup finals.”
At the end of the interview, Son Heung-min did not hide his regret over the grass condition at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, where he played against Palestine.
“First of all, the ground condition was so good that I think the players were more confident when playing,” he said. “I hope this continues to improve at home stadiums.”
“As an Asian person, I feel very proud because I feel like the Asian team has really improved. It’s great to be able to perform at such a high level,” he said. “We need to work harder on something. We need to extract 100 percent of the skills we have.”
In an official press conference after the match, Son Heung-min emphasized that he had cleared up his regret by winning the match against Palestine. “The first start (of the national soccer team) was not a clean one, but I think we have become a stronger team by winning a difficult match on the road,” he said.
“I tried to show them through action. There is a player who has a burden on the national team,” he said. “Of course, I have a responsibility, but I said a lot that I don’t have to lower my head because the game is over.”
Son Heung-min also said, “We have eight games left (third qualifying), and we have eight chances to play the best game of our lives,” adding, “I think we will be able to show good performances if we are as confident as today.”
Like a world-class superstar, Son showed respect for his team’s arrogance. “I give great respect to the team that is called Oman. I am proud that Asian soccer has developed,” he said.