"I'm not the only one who's sick," says Heungmin Son on playing full-time despite being kicked aroun

Son Heung-min complaining of pain

The 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asia Regional 2nd Qualifying Group C first match between Korea and Singapore held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 16th.Son Heung-min, who was injured during the game, leaves the field.

"I'm not the only one who is sick. All players always have at least one injury."

In the second half of the first match of Group C of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asia 2nd qualifying round between Korea and Singapore held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 16th, a scene that made Korean fans' hearts pound was created.

In the middle of the second half when Korea was ahead 4-0, a Singaporean player kicked the right leg of Son Heung-min, the 'treasure' of Korean soccer.

Son Heung-min fell to the ground in pain, and the 64,000 fans who filled the stadium held their breath.

Son Heung-min returned to the ground.However, he played the full time without replacement.

Ceremony without forgetting Son Heung-min

Coach Jurgen Klinsmann said at a press conference after the game, "I was very angry at the moment," but explained the reason for allowing Son Heung-min to continue playing by saying, "It is the player's responsibility to play while enduring or managing pain."

Son Heung-min, who met with reporters in the common coverage area (mixed zone) after the game, also agreed with Coach Klinsmann’s words.

Son Heung-min said, "Playing as a member of the national team is an incredible thing. It's the stage I dreamed of. The process of getting to the World Cup stage is also something we have to create ourselves," and added, "I can't give up the game just because I'm sick."

He continued, "If I'm in a situation where I really can't play, there's nothing I can do, but if I can play, I'll always do my best for the team."

Son Heung-min scored Korea's third goal on this day with a 'patented' left foot curling shot.

Son Heung-min is happy

With Son Heung-min laying the stepping stone to a 'big win', Korea finished the game with a score of 5-0.

Son Heung-min said, "I always have a lot of confidence in that position," and looked back on the scoring situation, saying, "After hitting the shot, I looked at the ball's trajectory, and seeing the power and speed, I felt really good. I thought it was going to score a goal."

Son Heung-min did not forget to say good things about the students who took the College Scholastic Ability Test that day.

Son Heung-min said, "You worked really hard, and I will support your future dreams. Don't be afraid. I hope you learn a lot about society and life through bumps and mistakes and move forward with courage." 19가이드03

Last updated 1 year ago