South Korea are heading to North America with concerns surrounding Son Heung-min, in what is likely to be his last World Cup.
The 33-year-old has faced questions about his form and international future, while coach Hong Myung-bo is unpopular with fans.
Friendlies Add to Disgruntlement
Pre-World Cup friendlies have added to the discontent, with South Korea suffering a 4-0 defeat to the Ivory Coast and a 1-0 loss to Austria.
Hong defended Son, who left Tottenham last year to play for Los Angeles FC in the MLS. “Son Heung-min is the heart of our team and I have never once doubted that,” Hong told reporters.
Son’s Defence Amidst Doubts
Following the defeat to Austria in March, Son denied that he had lost his goalscoring touch. “I don’t think I’ve suffered any dip in my performance,” he said, according to Yonhap News agency.
“When the time comes for me to leave the national team, then I will do it on my own. It’s disappointing that people talk about decline whenever I hit a dry spell.”
Pressure to Improve on Qatar Showing
Son will be looking to improve on his performance at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He wore a mask to protect a fractured eye socket and failed to score as South Korea were knocked out in the last 16 after a 4-1 defeat by Brazil.
South Korea fans saw their side comfortably reach the World Cup unbeaten in qualifying, but they have low expectations of what the team will do in North America.
“Fans’ collective confidence level seems to be at an all-time low,” Yonhap said this month.
- Son has scored 54 goals in 143 games for his country.
- South Korea face the Czechs in Guadalajara on the opening day of the tournament on June 11.
- South Korea’s best World Cup performance was reaching the semi-finals in 2002.
Coach Under Pressure
During qualifying, supporters consistently jeered Hong, who led South Korea to a group-stage exit at the 2014 World Cup. Son has asked supporters to get behind the team and the coach.
Fans are also unhappy with the Korea Football Association over Hong’s reappointment two years ago.
Before Hong, there were two interim managers and the appointment of Jurgen Klinsmann, who was sacked after 12 months.
After the losses to the Ivory Coast and Austria, Hong defended his use of three centre-backs and wingbacks, saying he wanted his side to be tactic
South Korea are in Group A alongside the Czech Republic, South Africa and co-hosts Mexico.