This is Son Heung-min's last World Cup. He said it himself. And after watching him lead Korea to a 2-1 comeback win over Czech Republic on June 12 β his final chapter in the world's biggest tournament has begun in the best possible way.
For millions of Korean fans who grew up watching Son at Tottenham Hotspur, in the Premier League, and in the national team jersey β these three group stage matches are not just football. They are the end of an era.
Who is Son Heung-min
Son Heung-min is 34 years old and the most successful Korean footballer of all time. He became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot in 2022 β sharing the award with Mohamed Salah with 23 goals. He is Tottenham Hotspur's all-time leading scorer. He has won the Premier League Player of the Month award multiple times and represented Korea in every major tournament for over a decade.
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Son missed the group stage due to mandatory military service β then came back to help Korea shock Germany 2-0 in one of the tournament's greatest upsets, eliminating the defending champions. At 2022 in Qatar, Son played through a fractured eye socket sustained weeks before the tournament β wearing a protective mask throughout β and still scored in the round of 16 against Brazil.
This is a player who has given everything for his country every single time.
June 12 β The Last Dance Begins
Against Czech Republic, Son started as captain and number 9 β the focal point of Hong Myung-bo's 3-4-3 system. He had multiple clear chances in the first half β a right-footed strike in the 38th minute from the penalty arc that went narrowly wide, a left-footed attempt moments later.
The goals came from others β Hwang In-beom's 67th-minute equaliser after Korea went behind, and Oh Hyeon-gyu's 80th-minute winner after coming on as Son's substitute. But Son's presence, movement, and work rate created the space and momentum that made both goals possible.
When Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the winner β the man who replaced Son β there was something poetic about it. The next generation finishing what the captain started.
The Remaining Matches
June 19 β Korea vs Mexico (Guadalajara) Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the opener. But their captain CΓ©sar Montes was sent off and is suspended. Korea faces a Mexico side missing their starting centre-back. This is the group decider β winner almost certainly advances.
June 25 β Korea vs South Africa (Guadalupe) South Africa lost their opener 0-2 to Mexico with two players sent off. Korea should be favourites. A win here, combined with a June 19 result, could see Korea top the group.
Save Every Son Heung-min Moment
CHZZK is streaming all Korean matches. After each game, AI highlight clips and full match VODs appear on the platform β but they disappear fast. Co-stream Watch Together VODs from major streamers delete within hours.
Vodloader downloads CHZZK clips and VODs directly. No Korean account needed. Works from anywhere.
After the June 19 match β download the Son Heung-min highlights before they are gone. This is his last World Cup. Keep every moment.