Captain Neutralized by Tight Marking: Failed Attempt at 'Revenge Against Mexico'

[Anchor]

Captain Son Heung-min remained silent once again, following the match against the Czech Republic. While his movements were sharp, he failed to record a single shot. He was deployed as the lone striker again today (June 19), and in the end, questions remain regarding the optimal way to utilize him.

Here is the report by Ha Seong-nyong.

[Reporter]

Son Heung-min, who shed tears of frustration after a loss despite scoring a powerful left-footed long-range goal in stoppage time against Mexico during the 2018 Russia World Cup, began the match with a determined look, closing his eyes and singing the national anthem.

Contrary to expectations that he would start as a left winger, Son was given the "lone striker" role for the second consecutive match under the trust of head coach Hong Myung-bo, and he threatened the opponent with sharp movements early on.

Although it was ruled offside, he kept the Mexican defense on edge in the 16th minute of the first half with a surprise run behind the defensive line followed by a lob shot.

However, he became increasingly isolated as he faced tight marking from defender Alvarez, who shadowed him relentlessly.

While he received the ball from his teammates 24 times in the match against the Czech Republic, he received it only 8 times against Mexico. With his ball touches limited to 19—just over half of his count against the Czechs—he was unable to create any significant opportunities.

In the 11th minute of the second half, Son was surrounded by opponents and missed his shooting opportunity. He was substituted early in the 13th minute of the second half with the team trailing 1-0, finishing the match without a single shot.

Ultimately, Son remained silent for two consecutive matches. Even after being subbed out, he encouraged his teammates from the bench, but the national team failed to score an equalizer. Son was unable to overcome the wall of Mexico in their second World Cup encounter, failing to achieve revenge after eight years.

Although Son has yet to score his fourth World Cup goal, which would be the most by a South Korean player, he is determined to give his all in the upcoming match against South Africa, which will decide the fate of the team's second consecutive advancement to the knockout stage.

(Reported by Hwang In-seok | Video by So Ji-hye | Graphics by Park Tae-young)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.