Son Heung-min has opened up about the agonising delay before South Korea’s place in the World Cup knockout stage was confirmed.
South Korea beat Portugal 2-1 on Friday, but then had to endure an anxious wait in the centre circle, watching the end of Uruguay’s 2-0 win over Ghana on mobile phones, before learning their fate. Another goal for Uruguay would have knocked out South Korea, with Tottenham forward Son revealing he delivered an impassioned address to his team-mates as they waited for the final whistle in the other group game.
“It was the longest six minutes of my life,” said Son. “But in the circle we were really positive. The guys were saying, we deserve this.
"Then I said ‘look, whatever happens, even if Uruguay score one more goal, I’m f***ing proud of this team and very happy we gave everything and we’ll see what’s going to happen’. Everyone was just waiting but those minutes were long minutes.”
Son said South Korea’s spirit and togetherness got them over the line against Portugal, to set up a huge clash on Monday with five-time winners and pre-tournament favourites Brazil. “We’re spending more time together than with our friends and families,” said Son.
“In the camp, the guys have already been here for more than a month, so we’re close, really close. I’m grateful because those who didn’t play could be really sad, but they didn’t show their disappointment.
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“They gave everything on the bench to support us and this makes a huge difference, to be one team. I’m happy and grateful to lead this team. It makes a huge difference. Everyone gave everything and I’m very happy and very proud to be with this team.”
Son’s tears of joy were a far cry from the last World Cup, when South Korea beat Germany 2-0 to knock them out at the group stage, but failed to progress themselves. On that occasion, Son shed tears of despair, but this time the 30-year-old was crying for all the right reasons.
“It was a similar moment,” said Son. “We beat Germany 2-0 and if Mexico had won their game, maybe we would go through, but this time was different, so we were waiting on other results.
“I didn’t even think about four years ago. I was just so happy and so proud of these moments. What else can I say? I was really happy and really proud.”
Son said South Korea’s progress to the last 16 was vindication for boss Paulo Bento, who was forced to watch from the stands after being sent off in their previous group game.
“The boss is really important,” said Son. “We didn’t want his last game not to be on the bench, so the players knew we had to give everything to be all together. We trained well, he believed in us and in his coaching staff, so it was perfectly done by him.”
