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

[Anchor]

In yesterday's (June 19) disappointing loss in the second match of the World Cup, 'Captain' Son Heung-min remained silent once again, following his performance against the Czech Republic. He was unable to receive passes due to Mexico's tight marking and could not even record a single shot, leaving him to swallow his frustration.

Ha Seong-ryong reports.

[Reporter]

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

Contrary to expectations that he would play as a left-winger, Son was entrusted with the 'lone striker' role for the second consecutive game by head coach Hong Myung-bo. Early on, he threatened the opponent with sharp movements.

Although it was ruled offside, he put 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 gradually became isolated as defender Alvarez stuck to him with persistent, focused marking.

While he received 24 passes from his teammates in the match against the Czech Republic, he received only 8 against Mexico, and his total touches were limited to 19—just over half of his count against the Czechs—preventing him from creating any significant opportunities.

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

Ultimately, Son remained silent for two consecutive matches. Even after retreating to the bench, he continued to encourage his teammates, but the national team failed to score an equalizer. Son was unable to overcome the Mexican wall in their second World Cup encounter, failing to achieve revenge after eight years.

Although Son has yet to score his fourth World Cup goal—the most by a Korean player—he is determined to pour everything into 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 edited by So Ji-hye | Designed by Park Tae-young)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.