Son Heung-min's evolving role key to South Korea's World Cup qualifier win

South Korea achieved a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic in their opening match of the 2026 North America World Cup qualifiers. The win, secured through late goals, has created a celebratory atmosphere, transforming initial skepticism into widespread support for the team.

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Son Heung-min played well in the match, executing what we prepared. Although he didn't score, it's not important. Son's goal-scoring sense is good. I don't have any worries about him going forward.

Captain Son Heung-min faced scrutiny after missing several scoring opportunities during the match, with some foreign media, including Reuters, noting his struggles in front of goal. However, Son fulfilled the role assigned to him by coach Hong Myung-bo, consistently threatening the Czech defense for approximately 70 minutes before being substituted. His movements and pressure on the defenders were physically and mentally taxing for the opposition.

Coach Hong Myung-bo's tactical decision to manage Son's playing time and role is a key factor. Ten months prior, Hong stated that Son's importance lies not in how long he plays, but in his decisive impact at crucial moments. This approach, initially met with debate, has allowed Son to adapt to a new role, focusing on his contribution to the team's overall strategy rather than solely on goal-scoring.

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Now, it's not about how long Son Heung-min plays, but about when and in what moment he plays a decisive role. I believe he can fully fulfill that role.

The decisive goal came from Oh Hyun-gyu in the 80th minute, assisted by Hwang In-beom. This victory underscores the team's strong 'team spirit,' with players and staff united for the common goal. While Son's lack of a goal was a point of discussion, his contribution to wearing down the opponent is undeniable. The narrative is shifting from questioning his form to appreciating his evolving role as a strategic asset, potentially transforming into a 'super-sub' in future matches.

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Son Heung-min showed weakness in front of goal, missing five chances in the first half alone.