Asian Cup: Son Heung Min Distraught As South Korea Is Dumped Out vs Jordan in Semi Final

Asian Cup: Son Heung Min Distraught As South Korea Is Dumped Out vs Jordan in Semi Final

Rene Otinga
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
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  • South Korea have been knocked out of the Asian Cup by Jordan
  • Defeat meant the end of Son Heung-min’s dream to win the cup
  • The Tottenham Hotspur skipper was inconsolable after the game

Son Heung-min could barely hold back tears as South Korea missed the chance to go to the Asian Cup final on Tuesday, February 6.

The Taegeuk Warriors were beaten 2-0 by Jordan, who advanced to the final of the continental competition for the first time in history.

Son Heung-Min's South Korea was dumped out of the Asian Cup.
Son Heung-min stands dejected after defeat in the AFC Asian Cup semi-final match between Jordan and South Korea. Photo by Robert Cianflone.
Source: Getty Images

Son played the full 90 minutes but could not inspire a victory, with South Korea failing to make a single shot on target despite dominating possession.

Jordan took the lead in the 53rd minute through Yazan Al-Naimat before Musa Al-Taamari doubled the advantage 13 minutes later to seal the game.

Defeat in the Asian Cup semi-finals means South Korea would have to wait another year to claim the title, having last won the tournament in 1960.

Son Heung-min inconsolable at full-time

At full-time, the reality of the situation seemed to hit Son all at once, as the Tottenham forward could barely hold back tears when he faced the media for a post-match interview.

The 31-year-old admitted it had been a major missed chance for his nation to win the coveted Asian Cup, per GOAL:

"I don't know what to say really. I am so sorry. The players did their best. I'm very sorry that the game is ended like this, by mistake."

Jordan will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Iran and Qatar in a showpiece event on Saturday, February 10.

Son set to return to Tottenham

One set of fans that will not be too disappointed with South Korea’s exit from the Asian Cup will be the Tottenham faithful, who are set to have their superstar winger back.

Per Football London, he will be on the first flight back to London and is expected to be available for Spurs’ next game against Brighton on the same day as the Asian Cup final.

Roberto Mancini accused of lacking respect

In other tournament-related news, Sports Brief previously reported on a curious case during South Korea’s game against Saudi Arabia.

Coach, Roberto Mancini was accused of disrespecting Saudi Arabia after walking down the tunnel before the penalty shootout was over.

The ex-Manchester City boss was clearly frustrated after a 1-0 lead was squandered, resulting in South Korea scoring to force extra time.

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Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.