Son sets Korea on way to fine win over Colombia

Korea's Son Heung-min celebrates after scoring the team's first goal in the first half of a friendly soccer match between Korea and Columbia at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Tuesday. Korea beat Columbia 2-1. Yonhap

By John Duerden

Son Heung-min's first goal under coach Paulo Bento set South Korea on the way to a fine 2-1 win over Colombia at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Tuesday.

The English Premier League star has been out of sorts for the national team of late ― and struggled as Korea was eliminated at the quarter final stage of the 2019 Asian Cup in January at the hands of Qatar ― but was lively against the South Americans and opened the scoring in the South Korean capital. It was the first goal for the national team since the 2018 World Cup from the Tottenham Hotspur star.

Colombia arrived in Seoul ranked 12 in the world by FIFA, 26 places above the host, and fresh after a 1-0 win in Japan four days earlier. After 17 minutes, the team, led by Carlos Queiroz, was behind. Son was found just outside the area and his shot from the right side should perhaps have been saved by visiting goalkeeper Ivan Arboleda, but it ended up in the back of the net. Son has been in fine form in Europe this season and was visibly relieved to open his Korean account.

Korea defeated the same opposition 2-1 in November 2017 at Suwon World Cup Stadium and looked set for a routine win but four minutes after the break, Luis Diaz leveled proceedings to silence the Seoul crowd.

Yet just before the hour, Korea restored its lead through Lee Jae-sung. The Germany-based midfielder was found on the right wing by Kim Min-jae and advanced to the top corner of the Colombian area. His low shot across the face of goal was accurate but perhaps also should have been saved by the goalkeeper. There were few complaints from the home fans, however.

The game followed on from last Friday's 1-0 win over Bolivia in Ulsan, though Colombia was always going to present a much tougher opponent than its South American cousin.

Under coach Carlos Queiroz, well known to Korean fans after his eight years in charge of Iran from 2011-19 and his four wins over the Taeguk Warriors, Colombia caused problems but the home team hung on to record a morale boosting win.

South Korea is preparing for the start of qualification for the 2022 World Cup in September though it will be the following year when the going starts to get tough.

There is still time for some players to stake their claim and remind coach Paulo Bento of their talents but on Tuesday, it was Son Heung-min who showed once again what he can do.