South Korea and Uruguay have been drawn in the same group for the Qatar 2022 World Cup this year. This means that Tottenham stars Son Heung-Min and Rodrigo Bentancur are set to battle it out in a Group H clash later this year.
The Taegeuk Warriors finished second in their qualifying group for the AFC division, ending only two points behind winners Iran with seven wins in ten games. Son ended up as their second-top scorer in qualifying, finding the net twice in four games.
As for La Celeste, they finished third in the CONMEBOL standings, securing a place in the finals along with Brazil, Argentina and Ecuador. Their seven wins in 18 games was enough to confirm their place.
READ MORE: Every word Antonio Conte said about summer transfers, Skipp and Sessegnon update and Bergwijn
Son has become somewhat of a national icon for his native South Korea, with the hopes of the nation riding on him and his teammates this winter. He has become so popular that, according to the club, Spurs are the most watched team in the country.
Plans have been set up for a trip to South Korea in pre-season, something that Son said he is excited about. He said: “I am extremely excited to be returning home to South Korea this summer alongside my Spurs team-mates – for most of whom this will be their first visit. I can’t wait to see their reaction to the passionate Korean fans and the incredible atmosphere in what we are sure will be packed out stadiums for our matches.”
After that is the World Cup, with a clash against Bentancur to come. Given the space that Son drifts into, the two are almost certainly set to duel it out on the pitch.
As for the midfielder, he has impressed since his January arrival from Juventus, creating a partnership with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the centre of the park. His ability to drive on the ball as well as sweep up defensively has added value to Antonio Conte's side since he joined.
It will remain to be seen who comes out on top in the clash, but plenty of Spurs fans will be keen to see both perform well for their countries and representing the club on the big stage.
