*This content was translated by AI.View Original
The quest for an Asian Cup title that could be the last for South Korea's national team "captain" Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) has been delayed by approximately one year. Due to the tournament's postponement, he will now have to challenge for the top spot in Asia at the age of 35.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on its official website on the 3rd (Korean time) that it would change the schedule for the 2027 Saudi Arabia Asian Cup.
Originally, the Asian Cup was scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027. However, due to this decision, the tournament will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028.
Recent changes in the geopolitical situation in the Middle East were the cause. The AFC stated that it had held sufficient discussions with the local organizing committee in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, explaining, "Considering recent changes in the regional political situation and the resulting logistical issues and travel disruptions, we have decided to postpone the tournament." The new tournament schedule is expected to be finalized after approval by the International Football Federation (FIFA).
This postponement has emerged as a major variable for South Korean football as well. In particular, attention is focused on whether this will be Son Heung-min's last Asian Cup challenge as team captain.
Japanese media outlet The Answer highlighted reports from South Korean press, stating, "With the Asian Cup postponed by about one year, voices of bewilderment are emerging in South Korea," and added, "The biggest concern in South Korea is the future path of Son Heung-min, who has served as team captain for a long time."
In fact, if the Asian Cup had been held as scheduled next January, Son Heung-min would have been able to participate in the tournament at the age of 34. However, due to this postponement, he will now compete in the Asian Cup at the age of 35.
The Answer emphasized that a period of one year is by no means a small variable for veteran players.
This is also a disappointing situation for Son Heung-min. South Korea has not reached the top of Asia for a full 66 years since winning the Asian Cup in 1960. Although Son Heung-min has served as a core player for the national team for a long time, he has yet to lift the Asian Cup championship trophy.
Son Heung-min led South Korea to the final of the 2015 Australian Asian Cup but settled for second place after losing to host nation Australia. In the 2019 tournament, he reached the quarterfinals, and in the 2023 Qatar tournament, he was eliminated in the semifinals, failing to fulfill his dream of winning the championship.
This tournament could be Son Heung-min's last opportunity to challenge for the top spot in Asia. However, with the tournament delayed by about one year, new variables have arisen regarding whether he will even participate.
It is not just that. The future of South Korea's national team manager has also become a variable. Interim manager Roberto Moreno's contract expires at the end of November this year. When the Korea Football Association appointed Manager Moreno as interim head coach in September, it tasked him with directing six A-matches from September to November. This included conditions allowing for a contract extension until the Asian Cup next January, based on an evaluation of match results and coaching ability thereafter.
However, the situation has changed due to the tournament's postponement. This is because entrusting him with the helm until next January and having him lead the team for another year are entirely different matters.
Vietnam also closely examined issues such as Son Heung-min's quest for a title and Manager Moreno's future. Vietnamese media outlet The Thao 247 stated, "South Korean press is particularly sympathetic to Son Heung-min's situation," explaining, "With the tournament postponed by nearly one year, it could significantly impact Son Heung-min's opportunity to win his first Asian Cup title in his playing career."
It continued, "Not only for Son Heung-min, but also significant changes are expected in the South Korean national team's squad management plan," analyzing, "With the tournament postponed by about one year, it is a situation where the appointment of the manager, squad composition, and preparation plans to reclaim the top spot in Asia must be reconsidered."
South Korea and Vietnam have been placed in Group E alongside the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen for this Asian Cup. In particular, with the Vietnamese national team being led by South Korean coach Kim Sang-sik, attention has been further focused on the matchup between the two teams. However, with the Asian Cup postponed, changes to the schedule of their head-to-head match have become inevitable.
Vietnam also faces its own concerns. Manager Kim Sang-sik's current contract is scheduled to expire in February 2027, making it unclear whether he will be able to lead the national team until the tournament takes place at the end of 2027.
The Thao 247 pointed out that "the Vietnam Football Association is in a situation where it must carefully review future manager selection and contract issues to ensure stability for the national team."
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
