Son Heung-min helps South Korea beat China

China's Son Heung-min scored two goals and contributed one assist, helping South Korea beat China 3-0 in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers - Asia region.

China were in good spirits when they hosted South Korea in Shenzhen, after a 2-1 win in Thailand in the first round. The home team also determined to defend tightly from the start against Asia's strongest opponent. However, their superior class helped South Korea easily break through China's "concrete block", leading 2-0 after the first 45 minutes thanks to a double from Son. At the end of the match, the away team scored another goal to seal the victory and affirm their unique position in Group C.

Son Heung-min celebrates scoring the opening goal against China in Shenzhen on November 21. Photo: Yonhap

South Korea had 81% possession and 12 shots in the half, which they took a 10th-minute lead from the penalty spot. From a chaotic play, winger Hwang Hee Chan was fouled by captain Zhang Linpeng in the penalty area. From the penalty spot, Son Heung-min calmly beat Yan Junling to open the scoring. It has been 27 years since Hwang Seon Hong that South Korea has seen another player reach 40 goals for the national team.

Son's goal ruined China's defensive counter-attacking tactics. The home side had to push higher up the pitch, leaving them with more space in defence. In their favour, South Korea created a series of chances, but Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min were unable to convert.

Despite being outplayed in midfield, China created some trouble in the 42nd minute thanks to a rare mistake by the Korean defense. However, Tan Long shot wide in front of an open goal. The home team paid the price in stoppage time for wasting their chances. Son Heung-min, after missing a chance to face the goalkeeper, made amends with a header from a tight angle from a corner kick, doubling the lead for Korea.

South Korea slowed down in the second half, allowing China to have more possession. But the hosts only had one chance in the half, a header from Zhang Yuning. The visitors, who played leisurely, still scored in the 87th minute, when centre-back Jung Seong Hyun jumped high to head the ball past Yan Junling, from a free kick from Son on the right.

South Korea made a perfect start in Group C with two big wins, with a goal difference of +8. China dropped to third with three points, equal to second-placed Thailand - who won 3-1 in Singapore in this match. In the next match in March 2024, South Korea will return to their home stadium to host Thailand, while China will be away in Singapore.

Vy Anh

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