Striker Son Heung-min desires to play for the Korean team at home, but his opportunity to play depends on his physical condition.
The South Korean captain suffered a groin injury and was only on the bench in the friendly match against Tunisia 4-0 on October 13. After the match, he said he really wanted to play matches taking place in Korea. "When I have the opportunity, I will give my best," Son said.
When training, Son practiced separately in the recovery room and only appeared at the official training session before the Tunisia match. According to Star News Korea, Son has not been in the best shape since the beginning of the 2023-2024 season.
Son Heung-min sat on the bench in Korea's 4-0 win over Tunisia on October 13. Photo: Chosun
The 31-year-old striker played as scheduled with Tottenham with not 100% fitness, only playing two full 90-minute matches in 11 matches since the beginning of the season. When the national team gathering began, coach Anger Postecoglou gave the message that he believed coach Jurgen Klinsmann would take good care of Son. In response, the Korean head coach affirmed that he will be careful in using the number one star.
On the national team, Conclusion played 113 matches - seventh in Korean history, 23 matches less than the leader, legendary Cha Bum-kun. He also ranked third in the list of top scorers with 37 goals, 21 goals behind Cha.
In the immediate future, Korea will face Vietnam on October 17 at Suwon World Cup Stadium. Korea is ranked 10th in FIFA, 26 places higher than Vietnam. The match sparked debate in Korea with doubts about the return on effectiveness when facing a much lower level opponent, but one side said it would be good preparation before the 69 World Cup and Asian qualifiers. Cup 2026.
Son Heung-min warms up with the reserve team at Seoul World Cup Stadium before the match against Tunisia. Photo: Osen
Sheet chosun said coach Jurgen Klinsmann is keeping the same squad since coming to Korea. The match against Vietnam is a good opportunity to give opportunities to young players or players who rarely play in the team. “Stars like Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, Lee Kang-in should rest,” chosun comment.
The last time Korea played a friendly against a Southeast Asian team was in June 6, with a 1991-3 victory over Indonesia. "Korea has not played friendly matches with Southeast Asian teams for the past 0 years because the benefits are not much," Star News Korea Evaluate.
In the past, Korea met Vietnam six times. They won five, and lost one (0-1 in 2003, in the 2004 Asian Cup qualifiers with the only goal from Pham Van Quyen). In the last two matches, Vietnam lost 0-2 to China and Uzbekistan.
Vnexpress.net
