Son, who arrived in Korea on Wednesday (AEST) after appearing for Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-0 loss to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final on June 2, was, according to some reports, on the end of some special Socceroo treatment.
Perhaps that is why Australia coach Graham Arnold told reporters after the game that the forward had been less dangerous than expected.
Popular news site ‘Newsis’ went with a headline ‘Son endures rough Australian defending’, noting that Asia’s biggest star went down three times after clashes with Craig Goodwin and Matthew Jurman, with one lengthy time spent on the floor receiving treatment that had a sell-out crowd of over 53,000 worried.
“Every time he had the ball, he was pressured by two or three opponents,” the report said.
‘Insight’ also talked of a succession of tough challenges from the Socceroos.
Son, who has played in three major international tournaments inside the past 12 months in addition to his Premier League and European exploits, said that while the game was a tough one physically, all was well despite needing treatment on the pitch.
“I am fine,” the Spurs star told reporters. “My condition is OK… it is an honour to play for the national team.”
“We worked hard in what was a tough game, though we know we have to play better than this,” Son added.
“I think it was important to get the win and also keep a clean sheet for 90 minutes. To develop a winning habit is a good thing.”
Korea take on Iran in Seoul on Tuesday.