Son Heung-min 'Blooms' With Teammates... Record-Breaking Goal Awaits Mexico Match

[Anchor]

Captain Son Heung-min, who said he wanted to "let his efforts bloom" in the first match against the Czech Republic at the North and Central America World Cup, kept his promise alongside his teammates. However, after narrowly missing a few opportunities, the record for the most goals scored by a South Korean player in World Cup history will have to wait until the next match against Mexico.

Reporter Seo Dae-won has the story.

[Reporter]

Son, who pledged victory during the official press conference yesterday (June 11), said:

[Son Heung-min/National Football Team Captain (Yesterday's Press Conference): The players have prepared so passionately, and I really want to tell them that I hope those preparations will bloom into success.]

He entered the pitch with a determined expression, marking the start of his fourth World Cup.

Wearing the captain's armband and starting as the lone striker, he utilized his signature speed to exploit gaps against the tall Czech defense.

Showing he is still in his prime, he recorded a top speed of 35.2 km/h, the fastest of any player on either team.

Son threatened the Czech goal aggressively, attempting a team-high 6 shots. It was unfortunate that his sharp left-footed shot in the 38th minute went wide, and his shot after breaking through the defensive line in the 11th minute of the second half was blocked by the goalkeeper.

After pouring his heart into the game for 69 minutes and tormenting the opposing defense, Son cheered on his teammates from the bench after being substituted.

[Hong Myung-bo/National Football Team Head Coach: I think Son Heung-min executed what we prepared very well. Son is currently in great form for scoring, so I am not worried about that part moving forward.]

Having scored 1 goal in his 2014 World Cup debut in Brazil and 2 goals in the 2018 Russia World Cup, Son is currently tied with Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan for the most World Cup goals by a South Korean player. He needs just one more goal to become the sole holder of this new record.

Although he did not find the back of the net in the first match, Son, who "bloomed a brilliant flower" of a thrilling comeback victory with his teammates, now has his sights set on the upcoming match against Mexico.

(Video reporting: Hwang In-seok, Video editing: Park Jung-sam)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.