Son Heung-min has apologised to South Korea’s supporters after the country crashed out at the Asian Cup. Jurgen Klinsmann’s side were favourites to lift the title, but suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of minnows Jordan, who reached the final for the first time. Son, who will now return to club side Tottenham, admits he was left speechless by the result, adding: “I am so sorry”.
Son Heung-min has said he is “devastated” and apologised to South Korea’s fans following their shock Asian Cup semi-final defeat to Jordan on Tuesday.
The Warriors captain was forced to front up after his side suffered a 2-0 defeat to the tournament minnows, who reached the final for the first time.
Second half goals from Yazan Al-Naimat and Musa Al-Taamari, who play their club football for Qatar side Al Ahli and Montpellier respectively, secured a famous victory for the Chivalrous.
But the result came as a hammer blow to South Korea, who were the clear favourites to lift their first title since 1960 after eliminating Australia in the last eight.
“I don’t know what to say really,” said Tottenham skipper Son. “I am so sorry. The players did their best.
“I’m very sorry that the game is ended like this by mistakes. The fans showed us great support, I’m sorry we could not deliver as our fans expected.
“I’ll try harder so that the national team can grow further in the future. Again, I’m very sorry “It’s very disappointing. I’m devastated about this result. Jordan are having an amazing journey this tournament.
It’s incredible. They deserve it. They were fighting until the end.
“I have no regrets. I was giving everything to be honest. It was a really tough competition.”
Jurgen Klinsmann’s side appeared to be building up a head of steam upon reaching the semi-finals.
They beat Bahrain 3-1 in their opening group game, before drawing 2-2 with Jordan, a match in which Son netted from the penalty spot.
The forward was again on target in a 3-3 draw against Malaysia as South Korea qualified for the last 16, where they beat Saudi Arabia on penalties, before Son’s extra-time winner earned a 2-1 victory over Australia.
Given Japan have been eliminated, and the other semi-final sees Iran face Qatar, the Warriors were widely expected to take home the crown, but defeat has led to questions over Klinsmann’s future.
The former Germany international, who took charge in February 2023, insists he is going nowhere, though.
“I am disappointed, I am angry,” he said. “We did not exist in the first 20 to 30 minutes.
“We had the big goal to get to the final. I plan to analyse this tournament and talk to the federation about what was good and not so good.
“There was a lot of good stuff we saw. It is a team that is growing and still needs to develop towards the next World Cup.
“There is a lot of work ahead of us. Apart from that, I am not thinking of anything.”
South Korea’s exit means Son can return to Tottenham a little earlier than expected, although it is not yet clear whether he will be available for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton.
