FanSided World Football
·19 November 2024
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Yahoo sportsFanSided World Football
·19 November 2024
Having scored his 50th goal on his 130th cap for his country last week, Tottenham Hotspur captain Heung-Min Son was again in Asian World Cup qualifying action for South Korea on Tuesday afternoon, the final day of the international break, as his side faced Palestine on the road for their final game of 2024.
It would be the nightmare start for South Korea, with an error from Bayern Munich central defender Kim-Min Jae gifting Palestine the lead after just 12 minutes of the game. However, just four minutes later, Son made it goal 51 in cap 131, scoring a right footed strike from an angle to make it 1-1 after 16 minutes.
Despite two goals in just four minutes – they would be the only goals of the game, and Palestine would hold on for an impressive point. Despite 72% ball possession for South Korea, Palestine had the only opta defined big chance of the entire game. In their current qualifying group, South Korea have won four games and drawn the other two – with both draws coming against Palestine.
Nevertheless, South Korea are still in a fairly good spot in the group. With everyone now playing six games, they have a three point lead at the top of the group, and are five points ahead of third place (top two teams go straight through) with four games remaining for each team – games that will take place in March and June of next year.
As for Son, it was a much better performance from him, as he continues to build up his match fitness and sharpness. Having played 64 minutes in their previous outing, the skipper played the whole games this time, recording; 63 touches, two chances created, four shots on target, two shots blocked, 7/13 ground duels won, two fouls drawn, and one tackle.
Spurs always need Son, but they need him now more than ever. Two goals and minutes in the legs over the break will have done his confidence and sharpness a lot of good. We all know about his record against City – at least in games that Spurs want to win – and you would feel if Ange Postecoglu’s side are to have any chance of a positive result on Saturday, they will need Son at his brilliant best.
That is that – Son’s international break is now over, and he will return to Hotspur Way ahead of the aforementioned showdown with Manchester City this weekend.