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

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

Son Heung-min is his country’s Lionel Messi, Cristiano 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 the round of 16 on Monday, Son’s latest chance to light up the sport’s biggest stage came and went.

For Neymar, there 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 the tournament’s most successful team.

For Son, there was the frustration of knowing he was never going to be at the peak of his powers at the tournament in Qatar. Not after a fractured eye socket only a few weeks earlier forced him to wear a protective facemask throughout his four matches.

Sure, Son made it to the World Cup, but not the same player who has established himself as one of the best strikers in Europe with Tottenham and was the co-leading scorer in the Premier League last season, along with Mohamed Salah, with 23 goals.

He leaves the World Cup without scoring a single goal.

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

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

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

Not that the South Koreans should depart with any regrets about their showing in Qatar. After all, few would have expected them to overcome a Brazil team that went into the tournament as one of the favorites.

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

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

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

___

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

___

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