Son Heung-min's World Cup struggles continue as South Korea faces elimination

South Korean captain Son Heung-min experienced a disappointing World Cup debut, failing to register any attacking points in the team's crucial 0-1 defeat against South Africa. The loss, which concluded their group stage campaign, leaves South Korea's progression to the knockout rounds uncertain.

Son, who plays for LAFC in Major League Soccer, was substituted into the match at halftime, replacing Hwang Hee-chan. Positioned behind the forward line, he worked alongside Lee Kang-in to pressure South Africa's defense. Despite his efforts to find space behind the opposition's backline, clear scoring opportunities were scarce. The situation worsened when Tsepelo Maseko scored the opening goal for South Africa in the 63rd minute.

Although Son attempted a shot from the edge of the box in the 88th minute, it was blocked by the defense. This marked the first time in his World Cup career that Son has not recorded an attacking contribution in the group stage. He had previously scored in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, and provided an assist in 2022. The defeat also prevented him from surpassing Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan as South Korea's all-time leading World Cup scorer.

South Korea finished third in Group A with three points, a record of one win and two losses. Their hopes of advancing to the Round of 32 now depend on being one of the top eight third-placed teams across all groups. The team has returned to their base camp in Guadalajara to await the final standings.