Son Heung-min, the 'Unsung MVP' Against Czech Republic, Gears Up for Milestone

[Anchor]

The South Korean national football team, currently competing in the North and Central America World Cup, enjoyed a well-deserved day of rest today, June 14. In particular, every move of captain Son Heung-min, who was hailed by his teammates as the "unsung MVP" of the victory against the Czech Republic, has become a major topic of conversation locally.

Lee Jung-chan reports from Guadalajara.

[Reporter]

After the match against the Czech Republic, national team captain Son Heung-min remained humble.

[Son Heung-min/Captain of the National Football Team: In-beom, Hyun-gyu, and Seung-gyu all played so well. I didn't really do anything.]

However, Son's true value is reflected in the statistics.

Despite playing only 69 minutes, he recorded 16 direct pressures, ranking second on the team in that category, and led all forwards with 14 penetrations into the space behind the defense.

He reached a top speed of 35.2 km/h (22 mph), the fastest of any player on either side, effectively wearing down the opposing defenders.

As the only regret was not scoring a goal, Son is now looking to "vent his frustration" against Mexico, a team with which he shares a special history.

He famously pierced the Mexican net with a stinging left-footed shot in a friendly match last year, and he vividly remembers scoring a spectacular curling goal against them during the Russia World Cup eight years ago.

Furthermore, thanks to the so-called "Miracle of Kazan" that followed in the match against Germany, Mexico dramatically advanced to the Round of 16, making Son a "hero" in this country.

[Son, hermano, ya eres mexicano. Son, hermano, ya eres mexicano.]

[Nesto/Mexican Football Fan: It means, 'Son, brother, you are now Mexican.' It's because we advanced to the Round of 16 thanks to Son Heung-min.]

After becoming a massive local sensation today by visiting a taco restaurant with his father during his day off, Son plans to tighten his laces again starting tomorrow.

Son Heung-min, the hero of Mexican football fans, is dreaming of another historic moment here in Guadalajara.

[Corea, hermano, ya eres mexicano. Korean brothers, you are now Mexican.]

Reported by Lee Jung-chan | Video by Hwang In-seok | Video Editing by So Ji-hye | Graphics by Choi Jae-young
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.