Son Heung-min’s recent culinary choices included Al Pastor and Arrachera tacos, which he enjoyed after a training session. Following an Uber ride from South Korea’s training camp, a hub of discussions at this World Cup, the former Tottenham player was swarmed by fans in downtown Guadalajara. This overwhelming attention is a testament to his global popularity, although some online commentators suggested he should have dined at a more prestigious establishment.
Unfortunately for Son and his teammates, their performance in the tournament has not matched the hype. The Taegeuk Warriors suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Mexico in their second Group A match. The 34-year-old forward found himself starved of opportunities as the team played cautiously, aiming for a draw. A critical mistake from goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, who also indulged in tacos, handed the co-hosts an unexpected goal, putting them at the top of the group. With a match against South Africa looming, a win is crucial, while a draw would suffice for advancement. However, a loss could lead to elimination.
Son played less than an hour before being substituted in the latest match. In the opening game, he missed several opportunities and was taken off after 69 minutes, despite the team’s comeback win against Czechia, 2-1. His central playing position hasn’t proved effective consistently, leading to debates among fans about whether he should return to the left flank, where Oh Hyeon-gyu, who scored the winner in the opener, has been performing well.
The upcoming match against South Africa is pivotal. If Son can rejuvenate his performance, aided by head coach Hong Myung-bo, a victory could set the team up for a strong finish to the group stage. While a draw would still see them qualify, the lingering uncertainty surrounding the team would continue.
Upon arriving in Mexico, the expectations for Asia’s most successful World Cup team were relatively low, given their patchy recent form. However, their initial victory against Czechia showcased a promising performance, albeit with the caveat that Czechia may not be among the stronger teams in the tournament.
Despite the encouraging start, off-field issues soon overshadowed the squad. Son’s footballing prowess may not be what it once was, yet he remains a focal point off the pitch. During a training session on June 7, a media representative was overheard making mocking comments regarding Son’s military service record. Son secured an exemption from the mandatory 21-month service by winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games, but he still completed basic training in 2020.
In light of this incident, the Korea Football Association expressed its disappointment, stating, “inappropriate remarks made by some media personnel … the recent leak of inappropriate conversations between some media officials at a training site caused great shock and disappointment to the team.”
Initially, the team refrained from engaging with domestic media as the issue of military service gained traction in Mexico. The societal pressures surrounding conscription are significant, with public sentiment increasingly less supportive of exemptions for celebrities. The case of BTS, immensely popular in Mexico and asked to extend their tour dates, underscores the complexities of this issue, as they too took a break to fulfill their service obligations.
In another unusual incident, Mexican authorities shot down a drone hovering over a South Korean training session prior to the match against Mexico. The match saw South Korea struggle to replicate the attacking style that impressed against Czechia, adding further pressure on the team.
The result against Mexico also ensured their advancement to the next round. With the co-hosts positioned to secure a win against Czechia, South Korea faces a dire situation; a loss against South Africa could result in elimination. Fans, players, and media alike are hoping for a victory to restore confidence and shift focus back to football, along with the promise of more culinary adventures.
- World Cup 2026
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