The Korean national soccer team, attempting to reach the Asian Cup title for the first time in 64 years, avenged the loss it suffered in the final nine years ago to Australia and advanced to the semifinals. Captain Son Heung-min (Tottenham) showed his desire to win.
Son Heung-min, who attended the press conference as the Most Valuable Player (MOM) after winning the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup quarterfinal match against Australia held at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar on the 3rd, said that the victory on this day was 9 years ago. When asked if he thought it was revenge for the loss, he laughed and said, “Rather than revenge, I think it’s part of soccer.”
In the 2015 Asian Cup finals, Korea lost 1-2 in overtime to Australia and ultimately failed to lift the trophy. At that time, Son Heung-min shed tears of regret. The Korean national team, which met Australia again on this day, gave up the first goal in the first half of the game, but equalized in the second half and then scored a comeback goal in overtime to win 2-1.
Son Heung-min said, “At that time, I was very heartbroken because I missed a good opportunity,” but added, “Thanks to those games and experiences, I have grown to this point as a soccer player and person. “I played today not necessarily because of that (revenge), but only thinking about the team’s goal,” he said.
He said about this game, “It was a very difficult game, and I am not very satisfied with the performance, but it is important to get a result,” and “I am happy that we achieved a good result as a team. “I will show a good game next time to achieve my final goal,” he said.
Son Heung-min, who scored an exquisite free kick in the 14th minute of extra time, is roaring in front of the Australian bench. Al Wakrah = NewsisThe Korean national team scored in extra time in the second half of four consecutive games, from the second match against Jordan in the group stage to the quarterfinals. Following the round of 16 match against Saudi Arabia, the team went into overtime for two consecutive games. As a result, the nickname ‘zombie soccer’ was given to Korea.
Son Heung-min said of this, “I think it is the team’s ability. (Repeated dramatic wins) serve as an opportunity to strengthen the players’ mental strength. “Games like this make my faith stronger,” he said. “Most of us get tired when we go into overtime, but our players are doing everything they can. “I think being united as one is our biggest advantage,” he said.
He continued, “I don’t think I’ve ever played in overtime for two consecutive games as a soccer player,” and added, “I think the best part of the competition is overcoming it with mental strength.”
He added, “It’s just an excuse to say that it’s difficult to play for the country. Now only four teams remain to fight for one championship trophy. No need for any excuses. “I will move forward with only one goal,” he emphasized.
After the reporters’ questions were over, Son Heung-min volunteered to add another word. He said, “Players who are always playing are in the spotlight,” and “I hope that today’s players will pay attention to the players who were on the bench and who were unable to enter the field.”
Korea will compete with Jordan to advance to the finals at midnight on the 7th. They met in the second game of the group stage on the 20th of last month and drew 2-2.
Hyewon Lee, Donga.com
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.