'Gol-ttae-nyeo Top Scorer' Saori: "Son Heung-min will score a decisive goal; reaching the World Cup quarterfinals is enough for Korea and Japan"

*This content was translated by AI.

Better known as a 'football enthusiast' than by her primary profession as a sign language artist, Fujimoto Saori expressed her expectation that her role model, Son Heung-min (LA FC), will lead the South Korean national team to the quarterfinals.

The South Korean national team will face the Czech Republic in the first match of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup Group A at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, at 11 a.m. on the 12th (Korean time).

Saori, who holds the record for the most goals (46) in SBS football variety show 'Gol-ttae-nyeo' (The Goal-Getting Girls), including two championship titles while playing for World Class, is cheering for both her home country, Japan, and her second home, Korea.

Saori, who stirs up opposing defenses with her quick feet and exceptional footwork, expressed her high expectations for her role model, Son Heung-min.

In a recent interview with StarNews, Saori said, "I always cheer for Son Heung-min. In a way, he seems to share many similarities with Shohei Ohtani, Japan's pride, both as a person and in terms of his outstanding skills. I am the all-time top scorer in 'Gol-ttae-nyeo,' and isn't Son Heung-min about to break the record for most goals (56) in his team? I might be forcing the comparison, but I believe he will score in this tournament as well."

Son Heung-min has recorded 56 goals in 144 international matches. As the all-time record holder for most international appearances, he will tie the record for most goals with Cha Bum-kun (58 goals in 136 matches) if he scores just two more. Additionally, Son Heung-min, who is participating in his fourth World Cup, is currently tied for first place among Koreans for most World Cup goals (3 goals) alongside Ahn Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung, and he aims to set a new record in this tournament.

Saori predicted, "He is a player who can turn crisis into opportunity and bring victory. I believe he will be able to create decisive goals or assists."

She expressed expectations that both Japan and Korea could surprise the world. "I believe both Korea and Japan can easily reach the quarterfinals," she said, adding, "I hope they show what they have prepared and take care not to get injured."

Meanwhile, Japan will compete in Group F against the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia. Coincidentally, they will face the Netherlands, the home country of KARA, a key defender, in their first match on the 15th (5 a.m.). Saori laughed, saying, "Even within our team, when we face the Netherlands, players from World Class and others engage in friendly banter, each insisting they will win."

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*This content was translated by AI.