Asian Cup: ‘proud’ Son Heung-min sparks South Korea to easy win over China as Iran fire blanks
- Tottenham man on form in UAE
- Marcello Lippi’s China outclassed by Koreans
Iran, joint favourites with the Koreans, also advanced as group winners despite being held to a goalless draw by bitter rivals Iraq, while Kyrgyzstan squeaked through on their tournament debut.
Hwang Ui-jo and Kim Min-jae were on target as South Korea, boosted by the arrival of their talisman, ran China ragged in Abu Dhabi.
Son won the penalty converted by Hwang and fizzed in the assist for Kim to help South Korea finish top of group C with a perfect nine points as they look to end 59 years of Asian Cup hurt.
“Of course, I’m a bit tired – I didn’t expect to play for so long,” Korean captain Son said after completing 87 minutes despite a punishing run of 13 games for Tottenham since the start of December.
“But it’s an honour to wear this red shirt and play for the national team. My first game of the tournament, clean sheet, 2-0 – it’s a happy afternoon!”
Marcello Lippi’s China finished as group runners-up having likewise already sealed their place in the last-16 by winning their first two matches.