Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Skipper Son eyes 'another miracle' against Brazil at World Cup

Skipper Son eyes 'another miracle' against Brazil at World Cup

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
South Korea's midfielder #07 Son Heung-min heads the ball during their Qatar 2022 World Cup Group H football match against Portugal on December 2. AFP

Skipper Son eyes 'another miracle' against Brazil at World Cup

Son Heung-min wants his South Korea side to pull off "another miracle" and beat Brazil in the early hours of December 5 (2am Cambodian time) in the World Cup last 16 after their last-gasp heroics against Portugal.

The Koreans' tournament looked to be over until substitute Hwang Hee-chan popped up in injury time to score the winner in a 2-1 victory over already qualified Portugal on Friday in Qatar.

That propelled them into the knockout rounds and a daunting date with Brazil, one of the pre-tournament favourites.

But skipper Son, who has been playing in a mask following surgery last month for a fracture around his left eye, said they are not ready to go home just yet.

After what has been a tournament of surprises, the Koreans now want to pull off another one.

"This is great but our tournament is not over," Spurs attacker Son said following the emotions of the dramatic win over Portugal.

"We've always talked about reaching the round of 16 as our objective but we should now try to go beyond that," Son, who shed tears of joy, told Korean media in Doha.

"I hope we can script another miracle," he added, having set up Hwang with a searing run and threaded pass through the legs of a Portuguese defender.

Some in South Korea are beginning to draw parallels with the national side of 2002 who stunned the world as co-hosts by reaching the semi-finals.

Current assistant coach Sergio Costa, who took charge from the sidelines for the Group H clash with Portugal because coach Paulo Bento was suspended, resisted such talk.

"I cannot compare because I watched the World Cup in 2002 on TV and didn't know them personally," said Costa, having masterminded the win over his native Portugal in his boss's absence.

"I've seen a few games from the past but I cannot make a comparison because I didn't know the Korean team back then.

"I can tell you what it is now – it's a team that is very honest.

"That is something that we are very proud of, we see those players with a strong personality and they deserve what we have accomplished," he added.

MOST VIEWED

  • Tensions high ahead of historic Kun Khmer match up

    The long-awaited November 5 matchup between Kun Khmer legend Prum Samnang and Myanmar-Canadian boxer Dave Leduc has become the most anticipated fight of the year. The Wurkz Sena Kun Khmer promotion, which will be held at the Town Arena at Chip Mong 271 Megamall, will see six

  • Manet: Cambodia safe for travel

    Prime Minister Hun Manet acknowledged that Cambodia and China have cooperated to tackle internet scamming, fraud and other cross border crimes, but insisted that the “Kingdom of Wonders” is completely peaceful and safe. He welcomed tourists to come and explore its rich heritage. During a

  • Kep selected for ‘world-class’ 2.7km beach development

    Kep province has been selected as the first site of a new coastal development initiative, with a “world-class” 2.7km beach planned for the near future. The Kep Provincial Administration met with the National Committee for Coastal Management and Development to discuss the development of the

  • UNESCO formally list Battambang gastronomy

    Battambang, renowned for its cultural heritage, has achieved a significant milestone as the first Cambodian municipality to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The UCCN unites nearly 300 cities prioritising creativity and cultural industries in local development plans and international cooperation. On World Cities Day,

  • Angkor causeway symbol of Cambodia-Japan ties

    In a historic moment marking another milestone in the 70-year-long diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan, King Norodom Sihamoni celebrated the formal inauguration of a causeway located to the west of the world-renowned Angkor Wat. While presiding over the November 4 ceremony, the King emphasised the

  • Cambodia pivots to solar, wind energy

    Cambodia is planning a move towards solar and wind energy to meet its rising power demands, according to Minister of Mines and Energy Keo Rottanak. On the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week event held recently, Rottanak emphasised the urgency of diversifying Cambodia’s