Son exits FIFA World Cup without showing his best for South Korea, Brazil advance

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — As Brazil’s big-time player me his return to World Cup in Qatar, superstar of South Korean soccer me his exit.

Son Heung-min is his country’s Lionel Messi, Cristia Ronaldo and, yes, Neymar, all wrapped up into one. Yet as Neymar recovered from an ankle injury to score in Brazil’s 4-1 win over South Korea in round of 16 on Monday, Son’s latest chance to light up sport’s biggest st came and went.

For Neymar, re was a 76th international goal that moves him within one of Brazilian great Pelé’s scoring record for his country — and closer to a possible sixth World Cup for tournament’s most successful team.

For Son, re was frustration of kwing he was never going to be at peak of his powers at tournament in Qatar. t after a fractured eye socket only a few weeks earlier forced him to wear a protective facemask throughout his four matches.

Sure, Son me it to World Cup, but t same player who has established himself as one of best strikers in Europe with Tottenham and was co-leing scorer in Premier League last season, along with Mohamed Salah, with 23 goals.

He leaves World Cup without scoring a single goal.

Against Brazil at Stium 974, with South Korea trailing 4-0 at halftime, his big moment came soon after restart.

Bearing down on goal, he sized up his chance and picked out corner of net. Unfortunately, Brazil goalkeeper Alisson was rey and mand to deflect ball around post.

In a later goalmouth scramble, Son again h an effort blocked.

t that South Koreans should depart with any regrets about ir showing in Qatar. After all, few would have expected m to overcome a Brazil team that went into tournament as one of favorites.

South Korea's place in kckout round was secured with a moment that will live long in history of its national soccer team, when Hwang Hee-chan scored in stopp time to secure a 2-1 win over Portugal and vancement from Group H.

man who provided assist for that goal? Son Heung-min, with an intricate pass that split Portugal’s defense and sparked unforgettable celebrations from South Korean players and fans.

So Son played his part at this World Cup, even if he leaves it without being at his best.

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James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson

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AP World Cup cover: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports