World Cup 2018, South Korea vs Mexico: 5 Talking Points

#3 Son fighting a lone battle

Son had to do it all himself

Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-Min is the most marquee player in an otherwise mediocre South Korean outfit. And the gulf in class was laid bare today when he carried the whole unit on his shoulders.

Son was the vital cog that kept Korea tick until the end. With a little more help, they would've probably escaped with a draw maybe. He was isolated up front and was left to deal with three to four white shirts in the area all by himself after being fed with the long balls. This was primarily the case in the first-half. The most notable moment was the triple effort when Son tried his luck with three consecutive shots, only for each of them to be blocked by the Mexicans. And even when he took his third shot, there was no Korean insight to connect with.

Although Hwang and Lee grew into the game during the final quarter, the impact bordered on insignificance as Son continued to shine bright and his goal in the injury time was a reflection of a fight he fought all alone. It was pure quality from the Spurs ace as his labours finally paid off.

This South Korean side is largely one-dimensional and the chronic dependence on one man to do everything has now cost them a place in the next round.