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Son Heung-min's pass, which led to a come-from-behind goal in the final group stage match against Portugal at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, was selected as the 'Best Assist' by an American media.
On the 3rd local time, US Fox Sports reported that 'Son Heung-min's kill pass' from the Korea-Portugal match was selected as the best assist in this World Cup group stage.
Fox Sports said, "The prettiest assist is a low and quick pass from right behind the half line into the penalty box," and "Son Heung-min's pass to Hwang Hee-chan was very impressive."
He emphasized, "In particular, we need to consider what this pass meant to Korea."
In the match, Son Heung-min sprinted about 70m with a solo dribble without missing the ball that flowed out after Portugal's corner kick in the second half of the extra time when the score was 1-1.
Later, when the opposing defenders pressed heavily in front of the penalty box, Son Heung-min found Hwang Hee-chan running and pushed the ball between the legs of the opposing defender.
Hwang Hee-chan, who received the pass, succeeded in scoring with a non-stop right-footed shot.
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Regarding the situation at the time, Son Heung-min said, "If I had a little space, I tried to shoot somehow, but as I went to the dangerous area in an instant, I was surrounded by three or four opponents." I didn't have one, but it was between the defender's legs that I thought, 'This is it'."
He added, “The ball went in well and Heechan finished well, so we were able to create a good scene.”
With this, Korea, which recorded 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss (4 points), rose to second place in Group H after Portugal and finally advanced to the round of 16.
The Korean national soccer team, led by coach Paulo Bento, clashes with Brazil at 4:00 am (Korean time) on the 6th at the 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar, for a ticket to the quarterfinals.
(Photo = Getty Image Korea, AP, Yonhap News)