Sept 11 (Askume) – Captain Son Heung-min believes South Korea will reach an 11th consecutive World Cup finals if it maintains the confidence it showed against Oman in Tuesday’s qualifier.
South Korea were eliminated last week after a goalless draw with Palestine in Seoul, but won 3-1 in Muscat to move into second place behind Jordan in Asian qualifying Group B.
Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min says he has spoken to his teammates and is hopeful they can put their false start to the season behind them with five days between qualifying matches.
“I try to lead by example,” Son said in a televised speech broadcast by Yonhap news agency.
“Some players feel pressure because they are in the national team. Obviously, we all need to hold ourselves accountable, but I also told the players that they don’t need to put their heads down because we have only played one game. We have already played.”
“We still have eight matches to play, which means we have eight more chances to perform at our best. If we can play with full confidence like we did today, I believe we will be in a good position.”
Hwang Hee-chan gave South Korea a good start with a 10th minute goal at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex but the ball was saved by defender Jang Seung-hyun, who headed the ball into his own goal.
In the 82nd minute, Son Heung-min shot with his left foot from the edge of the penalty area, which went slightly above the goal post; in overtime, Zhu Minkui took the lead again and won by a foregone conclusion.
“We didn’t have a good start,” Son said. “But after winning this tough game, I think we have become a better team.”
The top two teams in Group B will ensure that 48 teams, including the United States, Mexico and Canada, will advance directly to the final.
South Korea are currently scheduled to visit Jordan on October 10, and Son Heung-min hopes the venue at Seoul’s World Cup stadium will be in better condition than last week when they face Iraq in the capital five days later.
“The ground is in very good condition and we play with confidence,” Son said of the Muscat Stadium.
“I’m hopeful that the situation on our home turf will continue to improve.”
“Every time we step out on the field, we try to play the best game of our lives.”
