"Son Heung-min almost couldn't participate in the World Cup." Criticism of the 'murder tackle' was deep in heart

*This content was translated by AI.

Son Heung-min (34, Los Angeles FC) almost suffered a serious injury. It's because of the opponent's rough tackle during the game. Fortunately, he avoided a big collision, but Son Heung-min couldn't hold back his anger for a moment. There were also criticisms against Aaron Salazar (LD Alahuelense), who made a rough tackle in the local area.

Son Heung-min started in the second round of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup against Alahuelense (Costa Rica) at Estadio Alejandro Morela Soto in Alahuela, Costa Rica on the 18th (Korea time), helping his team win 2-1 and advance to the quarterfinals.

The scene in question came out in the fifth minute of the second half. Son Heung-min, who was trying to break through dribbles near the center circle, tripped over by a strong tackle from opposing midfielder Salazar. He managed to avoid a big shock, but the tackle was so deep that he almost injured his leg.

Son Heung-min couldn't resist the momentary anger either. He immediately stood up and approached Salazar, protesting violently, and Salazar did not back down and engaged in a war of nerves. The situation ended when the referee and the players of both teams stopped. The referee brought out a warning not only to Salazar, who made a rough tackle, but also to Son Heung-min.

It was a so-called "murder tackle" that came deep after Son Heung-min completely beat his opponent with instantaneous speed. Son Heung-min, who usually doesn't get angry despite rough fouls, couldn't hold back his instant anger because it was a situation that could lead to a major injury.

Gustavo Rocca, a reporter for Honduran media outlet Diario DS, re-examined the situation at the time and said, "Son Heung-min almost missed the opportunity to play in the World Cup." He said, "Salazar committed a clever foul on Son Heung-min, and Son Heung-min was angry at the tackle and made a face we've never seen before. Son Heung-min got up in anger and shouted at Salazar, and the referee managed to separate the two players," he said.

Son Heung-min has a different will to play in the 2026 FIFA 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup in June. Considering his age, it is highly likely to be the last World Cup stage of his career. The biggest reason for leaving the English Premier League (EPL) to go to the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) stage is also known to have a strong will to play in the World Cup in the best condition.

Moreover, Son Heung-min could not play in the World Cup due to an orbital fracture just before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Although he led South Korea to the round of 16 with his mask fighting spirit, he was more sensitive to the tackle because he had already suffered a major injury just before the World Cup. Instead, Son Heung-min ended the situation with only a rough protest against Salazar. Reporter Rocca added, "Son Heung-min was angry, but he never made a gesture to attack the opponent, such as lifting his arm."

Meanwhile, Los Angeles FC, which won 2-1 against Alahuelense on the same day, won 3-2 overall in the first and second games to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Son Heung-min failed to accumulate offensive points. LAFC's quarter-final opponent in the tournament is Mexico's Cruz Asul. The CONCACAF Champions Cup is the most prestigious club competition like the UEFA Champions League.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.