'Not pleasant' comments fired up South Korea's Son for China clash

English Woman's Journal - 'Not pleasant' comments fired up South Korea's Son for China clash

SPORTS 22.11.2023

'Not pleasant' comments fired up South Korea's Son for China clash / Photo: - - AFP

South Korea's two-goal skipper Son Heung-min said "not pleasant" comments from opponents China had fired him up to do the business in their World Cup qualifying clash.

Change text size:

The Tottenham Hotspur forward scored twice and set up the third as Jurgen Klinsmann's side won 3-0 on Tuesday to silence a sell-out home crowd of more than 40,000 in Shenzhen.

South Korea have a perfect six points from their opening two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup in North America and have scored eight goals, conceding none.

"Honestly, when I heard they (China team and media) were saying they know how to stop me and they don't care about me, it was not pleasant," Son told South Korean broadcasters afterwards.

"When I play football I respect all players," the 31-year-old added.

"So about those comments about me -- as the captain of the team, I think to show what I can do on the pitch was the right way (to respond)."

Son took his international tally to 38 goals in 114 appearances thanks to an 11th-minute penalty and a deft header from a corner just before half time.

After slotting in his penalty, Son pointedly celebrated by putting a finger to his lips.

In a game dominated by the visitors, South Korea wrapped the points up three minutes from the end of normal time when Son's free-kick was headed in by defender Jung Seung-hyun.

World Cup qualifying in the region now takes a pause for the Asian Cup in January-February in Qatar, where South Korea will be among the favourites.

L.MacDonald--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - 'Not pleasant' comments fired up South Korea's Son for China clash