Son apologizes as Jordan causes major Asian Cup upset

South Korea’s wait for their first Asian Cup title since the 1960s will continue after a shocking 2-0 loss to Jordan on Tuesday in the semifinals of the Asian Cup.

South Korea, who finished in second place in 2015, went into Tuesday’s fixture against the team ranked 87th in the FIFA rankings as a favorite to progress to Saturday’s final fixture.

However, after a goalless first half, Yazan Al-Naimat gave Jordan the lead against South Korea in the Asian Cup semifinal in the 53rd minute. M. Al-Taamari doubled the score 13 minutes later as Jordan made history.

South Korea dominated the ball position, but it was Jordan who had the highest number of shots of target and total shot attempted. Unsurprisingly, South Korea’s captain, Son Heung-Min, apologized to the fans.

“I don’t know what to say really. I am so sorry. The players did their best. I’m very sorry that the game ended like this by mistake. The fans showed great support for us; I’m sorry that we couldn’t deliver as our fans expected. I’ll try harder so that the national team grows further in the future; again, I’m very sorry.” Son Heung-Min said.

For Jordan’s Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta, the players should take all the plaudits for the giant killings.

“The players delivered a heroic performance. The X factor was that we didn’t need to give South Korea more respect than needed. Based on their record in their last few games, they conceded goals, and we knew it was possible to score against them; that was the turning point.” Hussein Ammouta said.

As the Asian Cup does not have a third-place match, Son Heung-Min will return to Tottenham and could be available for their Premier League game over the weekend.

The second semifinal of the competition will take place between Qatar and Iran on Wednesday, with the winner of the game progressing to the final to face Jordan on Saturday.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu