A Gold medal in the Asian Games final for South Korea against Japan means that Tottenham star Heung Min Son will be exempted from his compulsory military duty. Son landed in Indonesia, with a lot of hope as this was a do or die event for the Tottenham star. The 26-year old has not completed his compulsory 2-year military service being a Korean citizen it is a compulsion followed by the citizens of South Korea. But a gold medal in this event and an Olympic podium finish will now allow the forward to chase his dream at Tottenham.
Both teams failed to break the deadlock in the 90 minutes. But it only took three minutes of extra time for the Koreans to take the lead in form of Lee Seung-woo’s stunning goal. Hwang Hee-chan increased the lead and sealed the win for the South Koreans, as in the 115th minute Ayase Ueda pulled one back for Japan. The stage was set for a nail-biting finish in the final but the Blue Samurais failed to find an equaliser to take the match to penalties.
The South Koreans fielded a more experienced side than compared to Japan as they had the upper hand throughout the match. Son, along with other 19 players will be relieved from mandatory national duty as they can now concentrate on their footballing career.
The 26-year old who was substituted right at the dying moments to waste some precious seconds, was very emotional at the final whistle as he sprinted towards goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo with joy and ecstasy.
Son played a crucial role in his country’s fifth gold medal at the Asian Games. The Spurs winger had huge contributions in both the goals scored by his country. He currently holds a 5-year contract with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and with his 2 -year military service still pending it was a pressure situation for the South Korean. He came to this tournament with a mission and at the end of the event, he has accomplished his set target.
South Korea did defeat their neighbours North Korea to clinch gold in 2014 Asian Games but Son was not included in that squad. His then team Bayer Leverkusen exercised their right to refuse the release.
Son is likely to be available for selection for Tottenham when they play their highly anticipated fixture against Liverpool on September 15, with the game having some major implications on the title race this season.
Both teams will want to win this one and the Argentine manager will now have this added advantage now, with this player returning to action and being able to play regular football. The north London giants have made a really positive start to the new campaign so far, though the Reds themselves have been equally impressive as well.
Whichever team wins this one and takes back all three points, will go above the other, if both teams are unbeaten till then. However, their other rival clubs will be hoping that they play out a draw and fall down the table, giving them the advantage in the race to be crowned the new champions of England.
