‘Shh’ Son Heung-min’s promise becomes a reality… National soccer team defeats China 3-0!

[앵커]

The national soccer team in the second qualifying round of the North Korea-Central America World Cup recorded a refreshing victory in China thanks to Son Heung-min’s consecutive goals.

Captain Son Heung-min made his promise to make his opponent unable to breathe a reality.

This is a report by reporter Lee Jun-hee from Shenzhen, China.

[리포트]

The national team quieted the one-sided cheers of the 40,000 Chinese spectators who filled the stadium in just 10 minutes.

One bold breakthrough by Hwang Hee-chan collapsed China’s defense, and a penalty kick was declared, and captain Son Heung-min, who took the kicker, calmly shook China’s net.

Son Heung-min showed off his presence by running in front of the Chinese cheering squad and making a gesture of silence, as if he had pledged not to let them breathe.

The national team, who had gained momentum with an early first goal, continued their one-sided offensive, and Son Heung-min scored an additional goal this time with a header just before the end of the first half.

Lee Kang-in’s sharp corner kick was converted into Son Heung-min’s exquisite header that only changed direction, hitting the net once again.

Son Heung-min was on fire in the second half, contributing to all three goals, including assisting Jeong Seung-hyun’s key goal with a sharp free kick.

Hwang Ui-jo, who became a suspect on charges of illegal filming, was also substituted in the middle of the second half and played on the pitch for 22 minutes. The national team, showing off their overwhelming performance, defeated China 3-0 and won two consecutive World Cup qualifiers.

[손흥민/축구 국가대표 : “(중국에서)저를 ‘신경 안 쓴다’, ‘어떻게 막는지 안다’라는 말을 들었을 때 기분이 좋지 않더라고요. 선수들과 같이 이겨낼 수 있어서 좋았던 것 같습니다.”]

It was a game that truly showed the spiciness of Korean soccer.

The national team, which has made a fresh start toward North and Central America, is now beginning full-scale preparations for the Asian Cup.

This is Lee Jun-hee of KBS News from Shenzhen.

Video Editing: Shin Seung-gi