D-2 to Semi-finals: Concerns Over ‘Captain’ Son Heung-min’s Knee

Son Heung-min’s left knee condition
Covered with injuries and tape
“Saying it’s tough is just an excuse”

On the 3rd, in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup quarterfinals held at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar, ‘Captain’ Son Heung-min scored a dramatic free-kick goal in the 14th minute (104) of the first half of extra time.

Immediately after the game, a post titled ‘Son Heung-min’s left knee condition after today’s game’ was shared on online communities.

Son Heung-min’s knee was covered with injuries, either from being kicked or pushed over by opposing players. His knee was heavily taped, possibly to alleviate the pain from injuries sustained throughout the tournament.

It was clear how hard he was fighting to win the match.

Football fans who saw this said, “It’s so heartbreaking,” “I can’t help but cheer for him,” and “Not just his knee, but there’s no part of his shin that’s not injured,” expressing their concern for Son Heung-min.

In fact, Son Heung-min played a total of 510 minutes in 5 games until the quarterfinals of this tournament. No player has played more than Son Heung-min at the Qatar Asian Cup so far.

In an interview after the match against Australia, he said, “It’s just an excuse to say it’s hard because I’m running for the country” and “Now there are only four teams left in the tournament. I will focus on only one goal without making any excuses (winning),” deeply moving the nation.

Meanwhile, the semifinal match between South Korea and Jordan will be held at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Qatar at midnight on Wednesday, the 7th.

Kim Min-jae will not be able to play in this match due to accumulated warnings. One starting forward and one defender from Jordan will not be able to play due to accumulated warnings.