South Korea captain Son Heung-min has highlighted the blend of European experience and fearless youthful energy within Hong Myung-bo’s squad as the key pillars driving their ambition ahead of Tuesday’s high-profile friendly against Ghana.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Monday, Son declared his desire to “finish the year’s final A-match with a victory,” emphasising that team morale remains high following their 1-0 win over Bolivia last Friday.
The former Tottenham Hotspur forward scored a brilliant free-kick in that match - his 54th international goal - which moved him within four goals of legendary striker Cha Bum-kun’s long-standing national record.
But while Son has found form, Ghana remains one of the few national teams he has yet to score against.
Korea suffered a 3-2 defeat to the Black Stars at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and a heavy 4-0 loss in a 2014 friendly, adding extra intrigue to their next meeting.
Despite that history, Son insisted the focus is solely on the future.
“I don’t think much about the loss to Ghana three years ago,” he said. “All my thoughts are on preparing for the upcoming World Cup.
"We know how important it is to position ourselves well for the draw, and that’s why winning tomorrow is crucial.”
When asked what stands out most about the team under Hong Myung-bo, Son pointed to the squad’s evolving identiy - rooted in both maturity and boldness.
“The experience many of our players have gained in Europe is a huge asset. Some have featured in the UEFA Champions League, and those experiences will be invaluable at the World Cup,” he noted.
He was equally enthusiastic about the emerging generation.
“I really like the fearless approach of the young players. Their bold and confident style is a massive plus. Yes, there are areas to improve, but we have enough time to fix them before the World Cup.”
The match kicks off at 11 am Ghana time on Tuesday at Seoul World Cup Stadium, where both nations will aim to close the year with a strong statement.
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