Son’s Impressive Performance in Pre-World Cup Friendly
In a decisive friendly match ahead of the World Cup, Son Heung-min showcased his prowess by scoring twice, helping South Korea secure a dominant 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago. This match took place on Saturday during their training camp in Salt Lake City, Utah, marking a much-needed return to form for the 33-year-old striker who has faced scrutiny over his recent goal-scoring slump.
Questions Surrounding Son’s Form
Prior to this match, Son had netted only twice for his club, Los Angeles FC, during the current season, leading to rising concerns about his ability to perform at the international level. His last goal for South Korea had come in a friendly against Bolivia in November 2025, further amplifying the pressure on the team’s captain as they prepared for the upcoming World Cup.
Match Highlights
During the friendly, Son opened the scoring five minutes before halftime by converting a low cross in the penalty area. Shortly after, he doubled South Korea’s advantage with a penalty, expertly placing the ball into the corner of the net. This performance brought his international tally to 56 goals across 144 appearances, leaving him just two goals shy of the South Korean record held by Cha Bum-kun.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
As the World Cup approaches, South Korea is set to face the Czech Republic, South Africa, and co-hosts Mexico in Group A, beginning their campaign against the Czech team on June 11th in Guadalajara.
Support from Teammates
In addition to Son’s contributions, fellow striker Cho Gue-sung also made a significant impact by scoring twice during the match, further highlighting South Korea’s attacking strength as they gear up for the competition.
