#广场预测世界杯赢40000U

Consecutive stealth performances! What's going on with "Korea's No.1" Son Heung-min?

On the pitch, 33-year-old Son Heung-min bears the reputation of "Asia's No.1," yet he struggles under the spotlight of the 2026 World Cup. In the first match against the Czech Republic, he started and played 69 minutes, took 6 shots but only 1 on target, missing a crucial one-on-one opportunity; in the second match against Mexico, he played 57 minutes, had zero shots, and was substituted out when the team was trailing 0-1. Statistical data shows that Son Heung-min's shot conversion rate has fallen to a career low, with both matches combined expected goals (xG) exceeding 1.5 but yielding no goals. Korea's team performance has fluctuated—relying on substitute Wu Xiankui's last-minute winner to beat the Czech in the first round, but losing to Mexico in the second due to a goalkeeper mistake. Despite his poor personal form, Son Heung-min's on-field impact cannot be ignored: he contributed 2 key passes and 3 successful dribbles in the first game, and in the second, he touched the ball 21 times with a 100% success rate in ground duels. As the second top scorer in national team history, his experience remains a vital asset for Korea's push into the knockout stages.

Tactically, Hong Mingsu's persistence has sparked criticism—why not let Son Heung-min return to his familiar left wing to unleash Wu Xiankui's potential as a central striker? Deeper down, there's a cultural clash: malicious media mockery over his military service issue reflects long-standing trust issues within Korean football circles. The team has collectively fallen silent on this matter, highlighting the tense relationship between star players and public opinion. Fans' reactions are polarized: critics see him as a "liability," while supporters emphasize his leadership—such as against the Czech, where he didn't score but led the front-line pressure, helping the team turn the game around. Historically, Son Heung-min's predicament mirrors that of Cristiano Ronaldo: how does a superstar in decline reinvent himself? If Korea wants to go far, they need to redefine his role—not as a goal-scoring machine, but as an experience anchor. The final match against South Africa will be his ultimate stage for redemption.