Will Son shine at the 2022 World Cup?

Already adored by Tottenham Hotspur fans, the talent of Son Heung-min has earned him a firm place in their hearts. The South Korean attacking talent is widely hailed as a superstar in the Asian football scene, having made his mark in the toughest and most widely respected league of them all, the English Premier League.

But in what is quite an atypical 2022-23 season when it comes to fixture scheduling, Son will soon be turning his attention away from objectives with Spurs, instead focusing on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and ambitions with the South Korean side. While they may be considered to be huge underdogs, the ‘Tigers of Asia’ will be cautiously optimistic, ready to make their presence felt once the tournament begins.

According to the latest odds, the chances of South Korea actually lifting the trophy are slim at best, valued at prices ranging from 251.00 to 501.00 and more, using the decimal format. This means that comparing odds for all of the competing teams is certainly worthwhile, making the latest 2022 World Cup betting guide published by SBO experts an ideal place to start, highlighting where to find the best value odds and promotions available.

South Korea must never be underestimated

Regardless of their somewhat underwhelming expectations amongst the tipsters, there is always the possibility for South Korea to spring more than a few surprises, just as they did at the 2002 World Cup they co-hosted with Japan. Two decades ago they made it all the way to the semi-finals, beating notable opponents including Italy and Spain along the way, before eventually being eliminated by Germany.

Spurs forward Son was barely ten years old at the time, although that memorable 2002 performance will have undoubtedly influenced his own football career. Interestingly, he was part of the 2018 squad that would ultimately avenge that 2002 semi-final defeat. Son scored the decisive goal in a 2-0 win for South Korea against Germany, which also eliminated the reigning 2014 champions from the 2018 World Cup tournament.

This will be the third time Son has played at a World Cup tournament with South Korea. After debuting with the national team in 2011, his first appearance at the biggest show in football arrived in 2014, when the tournament was hosted in Brazil. The second adventure came at the 2018 World Cup, although on both occasions, the South Korean side failed to make it beyond the group stage.

Nevertheless, the draw for Group H would seem favourable for South Korea, as they prepare to take on Portugal, Uruguay, and Ghana. They will certainly fancy their chances against an ageing Portuguese team, while Uruguayans are somewhat less formidable compared to previous years, and Son’s international selection will also expect to defeat the Ghanaians.

Words of praise for Son and South Korea

Now regarded as one of the star players in the English Premier League, having established himself as a key performer with Tottenham Hotspur, there is inevitably plenty of hype an expectation surrounding Son Heung-min. The 30-year-old will be vital for South Korea, heading into the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, making him a key figure towards any potential success they might enjoy.

One keen admirer is former Australia international and Everton forward Tim Cahill, who believes that Son will shine in Qatar, insisting the South Korean has already become a global football icon. “I think he’s probably the flagship at the moment for Asian football, because of his consistency to produce in the biggest league in the world,” enthused Cahill.

Currently working as the Chief Sports Officer for the Aspire Academy in Doha, and as an ambassador of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Cahill continued his praise for the Spurs forward. “I’m a big admirer of Son. I’m looking forward to seeing him score goals in this World Cup, and enjoy an amazing journey for him and his country,” he predicted with confidence.

Providing of course that Son can fulfil his potential, something that we Tottenham fans have already witnessed on a consistent basis, this could be another memorable tournament for the South Korean side. They will definitely be worth following with keen interest, amidst the possibility of being one of the surprise teams of the 2022 World Cup, and nothing creates excitement like a side which defies all expectations.