South Korea came away with a huge win against Portugal yesterday. They required a win and also needed Uruguay and Ghana’s result to go in their favor to qualify. Son’s blistering run in the latter stage of the second half saw him assist the winning goal for South Korea. The Spurs man was in tears after it was confirmed that South Korea were through to the knockout stages.
This is too pure 🥺🥺🥺 pic.twitter.com/2meyVXsbb5
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 24, 2022
A common question that was asked following the game was why Son was wearing the black face mask. Such masks have been seen in soccer for quite some time. They have been seen a few times in this World Cup as well. South Korea will face Brazil in their round of 16 match on Monday at 2 pm ET/ 11 am PT.
Son Heung-min and others who wore face masks at the world cup
Son Heung-min had suffered a fractured left eye socket and was a doubt for the World Cup. But it was quickly ascertained that Son would be fit enough for South Korea’s World Cup campaign, but would have to wear the face mask. The mask would act as a protection and support for the fracture he had suffered. He suffered the injury in Tottenham‘s against Ligue 1 side Marseille in the Champions League.
This mask is popular at Chelsea history tbh. Gvardiol’s already 🤷🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/DdilSE064j
— Y P (@imYash07) December 1, 2022
Other players who wore the mask were Josko Gvardiol, Ellyes Skhiri, and also Alireza Beiranvand. All had suffered injuries either before or during the World Cup. Another player who had worn the mask recently was Antonio Rudiger in his last season at Chelsea. The mask has become very popular, especially among South Korean fans, who wore replicas in support of their captain Son.
The face mask serves as protection
Son suffered the injury while facing Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille. He had jumped for a header and clashed with Chancel Mbemba. He suffered a broken left eye socket and had to wear a support for the fracture. Son was ruled out for a few weeks for Spurs, and had to undergo surgery before he could play in the World Cup.
Heung-Min Son will undergo surgery to stabilise a fracture around his left eye after picking up the injury in Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Marseille on Tuesday.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 2, 2022
Alan Hutton, an ex-Scottish footballer, spoke to Football Insider, and was quoted saying, “Mentally it could be a block for him but I think he has dealt with it reasonably well… Is it affecting him? Probably a little bit but I think he is doing well with it so far.” The swelling near the eye socket is visible when Son removes the mask. But Son’s performances seem to have been at the similar top level as it was for his club.
