*This content was translated by AI.
South Africa, Korea's final group-stage opponent at the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, has focused intensely on the severe scoring drought of captain Son Heung-min (34, LAFC).
South African football specialist media 'Kickoff' reported on the 11th (Korean time) that "with Korea's star player falling into a slump ahead of the World Cup, South Africa is expected to gain a strategic advantage." It added, "It appears that South Korea's national team face, Son Heung-min, is causing concern in South Africa regarding his performance."
South Africa is grouped in Group A of the World Cup group stage alongside Korea, Mexico, and the Czech Republic. South Africa will begin with a match against host nation Mexico, then face the Czech Republic, and finally play Korea in the final group-stage match.
'Kickoff' stated, "Asia's top star, Son Heung-min, has not shown the sharp form expected since transferring to LAFC in the US Professional Soccer (MLS)." It noted, "Although Son Heung-min recorded eight assists this season, his failure to score his first goal of the season has raised concerns for the Korean national team ahead of the World Cup."
In fact, Son Heung-min's silence is at a serious level. In the MLS Round 12 home match against Houston Dynamo on the 11th, Son Heung-min played the full 90 minutes but failed to score. This marks his 10th consecutive game without a goal in the league this season. Although he contributed significantly in the first half with a sharp pass that sparked a comeback attempt, it was not enough to prevent his team's 1-4 heavy defeat.
The cause of this slump is attributed to tactical errors by coach Marc Dos Santos. Under former coach Stephen Cherundolo, Son Heung-min, who alternated between the forward line and wide positions, scored 12 goals in 13 matches last season. However, since Dos Santos took over, Son Heung-min has been deployed as a second-line attacking midfielder, making it difficult for him to even attempt shots.
As he moves further away from the goal, his attacking destructive power has naturally declined. According to statistics specialist media 'FootMob', Son Heung-min took 46 shots (27 on target) in 13 matches during the 2025 season, but this season he has managed only 26 shots (5 on target).
In today's match, Son Heung-min focused on attacking support from the center, not his preferred position. As a result, despite leading the league with eight assists, his signature destructive power has significantly declined.
South African media did not overlook this point. 'Kickoff' added, "Unlike Korea's hope that Son Heung-min regains his scoring touch before the World Cup, his slump could be encouraging news for South Africa, Mexico, and the Czech Republic."
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*This content was translated by AI.
