Heung-min Son hits back as South Korea criticism 'crosses a line' after Asian Cup slip-up: 'It really hurts' | OneFootball

Heung-min Son hit back at the level of criticism aimed at South Korea after they spurned the chance to top their Asian Cup group.

Malaysia earned a 3-3 draw with the Koreans on Thursday after managing to cancel out Son's injury-time penalty with a 105th-minute goal.

Having already dropped points in a draw with Jordan, the Tottenham winger's team are now set to face Saudi Arabia in the last-16 - although Japan would have been their opponents had they won in Al-Wakrah.

"I would like to ask for a favour," Son told reporters post-match. "To protect the players during the tournament and just to help the team.

"It is really sad, it really hurts a lot in the dressing room.

"Some of the boys are being criticised or receiving comments that at times cross the line a little. It really hurts as a teammate. It really hurts to see these boys in pain and also getting this criticism.

"We are working very hard on the pitch. We are trying to give everything for the fans, for the country.

"Please protect the players, my teammates and the team. Before they are a player, they are a person. They have families back home, with kids."

South Korea finished a point behind Bahrain in Group E and Son said it was a wake-up call for Jurgen Klinsmann's side as they look to end a 64-year wait for a third title.

"For Asian football, it is really good that this competition is becoming even harder. Everybody is more interested in this competition now, which is a very good sign.