For South Korea, Thursday match against Mexico na big chance to make early noise for 2026 World Cup. Dem fit clinch top spot for Group A with win, but dem dey play for tough environment, with Mexico home fans dey cheer their team.
But after falling behind 1-0, South Korea lose one of their advantages. The team star, Son Heung-min, sub out around 57th minute, leaving South Korea turn to other options as dem look to score equalizer.
Unless South Korea head coach, Hong Myung-Bo, provide some further clarification after match, e dey presumed say im star exit after around 57 minutes na nothing beyond saving the veteran energy for their third World Cup match. Son sub out shortly after Mexico take 1-0 lead.
Son no dey known to dey deal with injury. While e don get elite international career for South Korea, scoring 56 goals for national team since 2010, Son age likely be the biggest factor for am coming off early against Mexico.
Son replace by Hwang Hee-Chan on the pitch against Mexico. Hwang na forward for EFL Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers, with 17 goals for im South Korea international career since 2016. Son be 33 years old and go turn 34 on July 8, 2026, before World Cup finish.
