“Declaration of internal conflict resolved”: Son Heung-min scores historic 60th goal, celebrates with “96 Line”? Perfect scenario to mend rift rumors

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Captain Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) is aiming for the milestone of scoring his 60th goal in A-matches, a first in South Korean football history. The South Korea national team, seeking to patch up internal strife and be reborn as “one team,” aims for a turnaround against Saudi Arabia.

South Korea, led by interim coach Roberto Moreno, will play an away friendly match against Saudi Arabia at the Jasim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, at 11:30 p.m. (KST) on the 13th. Following this, they will conclude their eventful A-match schedule for this year with a match against Qatar on the 17th. For Coach Moreno, whose contract expires at the end of this month, this serves as an important test stage for his appointment as the permanent head coach.

The internal conflicts within the squad that surfaced ahead of the match were temporarily settled by a joint statement from key players and a heartfelt interview with the captain. Previously, Son Heung-min, along with senior players such as Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang In-beom (Porto), Hwang Hee-chan (Schalke), and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), issued a joint statement regarding rumors of discord. They categorically denied claims that specific demands were being pushed through using retirement as leverage, clarifying that they shared only a common concern for the team’s improvement.

Subsequently, Son Heung-min spoke directly for the first time since the controversy at the official pre-match press conference for the Saudi Arabia game held on the 12th. Regarding his mental struggles over the past period, he stated, “There has been a lot of talk about the national team, so it hasn’t been easy. I would say it is a process of getting healthier,” and added, “We had good conversations and decided to move forward with one goal in one direction, so I hope you will let our performance on the field speak for itself going forward,” urging restraint from speculation.

He also did not forget his sense of responsibility toward the captain’s armband he has worn for over eight years. Son Heung-min said, “It is not something I can choose, but I consider it a great honor. I will do my best and continue until the end,” pledging his dedication on the field.

With the atmosphere stabilized, the national team’s attention turns to Son Heung-min’s feet. After scoring his 59th goal in last month’s match against Uzbekistan, surpassing former coach Cha Bum-keun (58 goals) to become the all-time top scorer in men’s A-matches for South Korea, Son Heung-min is now hunting for his 60th goal. The ideal harmony scenario envisioned by the Moreno squad is for Son Heung-min to activate his scoring prowess with assists from players of the “96 Line,” who were at the center of the conflict rumors.

South Korea, ranked 32nd in the FIFA rankings, has a head-to-head record against Saudi Arabia, ranked 55th, of five wins, nine draws, and five losses in 19 matches. In their most recent encounter, the Round of 16 match at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in January 2024, South Korea secured a hard-fought victory after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original