South Korea's Son bemoans poor pitches after another World Cup home draw
South Korea still top Group B by three points after the draws with Oman in Goyang last Thursday and Jordan in Suwon on Tuesday but would have booked their ticket to the finals had they won either game.
The matches were moved to regional cities because of poor pitch conditions at the Seoul World Cup Stadium but Son clearly did not find the surfaces in Goyang and Suwon much better.
"I think there's a reason why we've had better results in away matches," the Tottenham Hotspur forward told Yonhap News Agency.
"When we're at home, we're supposed to enjoy the best playing conditions possible, but things have not improved at all.
"I know we can play better than this, but when conditions on our home soil get in the way, then I wonder where we should get our home field advantage.
"I know this may sound like an excuse, but every small detail matters in football. It can make the difference of getting one point or getting three points. I hope people will pay closer attention to it."
South Korea will secure their place in the finals for the 11th successive World Cup if they avoid defeat when they play Iraq in Basra on June 5 before returning home for their final round-three qualifier against Kuwait on June 10.
Son said the South Korean players should humbly accept the lessons of the Jordan draw but added that he would be urging his younger teammates to hold their heads high.
"Despite this disappointment, we're still leading our group and that's a fact. We want to stay there until the end of the round," he said.
"For our young players, it can be an honour to play for the country but it can also put a lot of pressure on them.
"I told them if we just keep working at it, we will finish in first place. I think the most important thing for these young guys is not to lose their confidence."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
11 hours ago
- Gulf Today
SCA, YTCA and Karwan Sports Club join forces to reshape future of aspiring cricketers in UAE
In a groundbreaking move, three of the country's most iconic and oldest cricket academies joined hands to give a new dimension to the coaching. Young Talent Cricket Academy (YTCA), Karwan Sports and Sharjah Cricket Academy (SCA) joined forces to reshape the landscape of cricket coaching in the UAE. YTCA is one the most renowned and oldest cricket coaching facilities which is run by former UAE player, Shehzad Altaf, who has the privilege of representing the country at the 1996 World Cup. YTCA has churned out many international cricketers who went on to play for the UAE. Former UAE captain CP Rizwan and UAE batter Rameez Shehzad are the product of YTCA, where they honed their skills and learned the tricks of the trade. Shehzad Altaf, founder of the MS YTCA, said: "This partnership will elevate the standard of coaching in the country. As we have world class infrastructure and facilities at our disposal." Karwan Sports was founded by Babar Iqbal 18 years ago. The sapling has grown into a huge tree with its root firmly grounded with dugouts and flood lights. They also have a capacity of 1500 people and UAE national teams often hold their training camps. Speaking on the occasion, Iqbal explained: "This partnership is more than just a collaboration. It is a unified movement towards unlocking the full potential of the cricket aspirants in the country. With SCA, YTCA and Cricketaaa, we are building a foundation for a sports culture that thrives on opportunity and excellence." Sharjah Cricket Academy will bring the legacy and immense experience to the collaboration. It is known for nurturing the players for the next generation. Khalaf Bukhartir, CEO of Sharjah Cricket Stadium, also expressed his delight at the new collaboration. "Sharjah Cricket always believed in the power of sports to inspire and unite. Through this partnership, we need to nurture new talent and provide global exposure and bring our legacy closer to the next generation," said Khalaf. Cricketaaa will bring a layer of technological aspect to the new association. It is a new app which has unique features to help the cricketers analyze their progress. Sunil Karla, founder of Cricketaaa, said: "We are thrilled to join hands with such prestigious institutions, which are working tirelessly to take the game forward. These academies have churned out so many good cricketers. "We hope for a long association. Our app will help the budding cricketers to evaluate their progress and performance. "They can track their technique and flaws. They can upload their videos and send it to many renowned coaches across the globe for one-to-one discussion. These legendary coaches will help them solve their problems and work on their technique," explained Karla.
Filipino Times
21 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Gymnast Jasmine Ramilo represents PH in FIG World Cup Milan
Filipina rhythmic gymnast Jasmine Althea Ramilo proudly represented the Philippines at the FIG World Cup in Milan, Italy. Held from July 18 to 20 at the Unipol Forum, the 17-year-old competed in four apparatus events, namely Hoop (26.300), Ball (25.500), Clubs (24.200), and Ribbon (23.850), earning a total score of 99.850. She narrowly missed qualifying for the finals. Ramilo was the sole Filipina among 74 senior gymnasts. Coached by Claudia Mancinelli and Elisabetta Boni, and supported by Junior RG athlete Kyla Mendoza and her parents JR and Fhey Ramilo, she approached the competition with grace, composure, and quiet determination. Italy's Sofia Raffaeli won the all-around title in Milan with 118.250 points, followed by Germany's Darja Varfolomeev (117.450) and Ukraine's Taisia Onofriichuk (114.150), who took silver and bronze, respectively. 'I'm happy to represent the Philippines. After this World Cup, continue pa rin sa training,' Ramilo said, indicating that preparations for future competitions are ongoing. Earlier this year, Ramilo won three medals, including one gold, at the Olympic 74 Cup in Sofia, Bulgaria. She placed 9th in the Asian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Singapore and claimed two medals at Spain's Liga Iberdrola in May. In recognition of her achievements, Ramilo was congratulated by Philippine Ambassador to Italy Nathaniel Imperial, DCM Donna Gatmaytan, Atty. Ray Gatmaytan , Consul General Randy Ochoa and other Embassy officials during the Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Ergife Hotel in Rome. Ramilo, who is currently based in Italy, will return to Rome to resume training and complete her senior high school studies. (Alona Cochon)
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Gulf Today
Retiring Russell cherishes WC semis vs India, two trophies as special moments
Ahead of his final days of playing international cricket, big-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell has highlighted his knock in the 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final against India and winning two trophies for his nation in the shortest format as his most important moments of being in the West Indies set-up. Russell, who was a member of West Indies' T20 World Cup winning squads in 2012 and 2016, will play his last two international matches on July 20 and 22 when the hosts' take on Australia in the first two T20I games at his homeground in Sabina Park. 'Definitely, the 2016 World Cup. That semi-final game against India where I took the team home, me and Lendl Simmons. Obviously, the start that we got from the other batters, chasing 190 plus in that semi-final in India with a crowd supporting India only. 'I think that was already a bit of pressure, but the wicket was a very good wicket. The confidence that we had in the changing room and the batters that were left to come, it gave me the confidence and the freedom to go out and play the role that I did. Obviously, two World Cups, it's just a different emotion.' 'You sleep, you wake up and you realise you've only been sleeping for two hours. But you feel well rested because you just want to see what's going on the internet. 'You want to see all of those memories and all of those good comments. I think those are the two most important moments (of me) playing for West Indies,' said Russell in a video by Cricket West Indies' (CWI) after the end of a training session. In 84 T20Is for the West Indies, Russell, 37, amassed 1078 runs and picked 61 wickets so far. 'It's a pretty good feeling. The first time I came to Sabina Park as a kid, and then to actually walk on the grass and feel the atmosphere and look in the stands and everything, and now I've achieved so much out of cricket for the last couple of years. 'I've done my best in every chance I got representing West Indies. I think it's the perfect ground and the perfect series against a good team like Australia to end my international career. 'By just seeing the posts and seeing stuff going around on the internet, I got a bit emotional to be honest. But decisions are already made and I think I've done well enough to actually say yes that's it for me towards international cricket,' he added. Once the Jamaica leg of T20Is will be over, Russell will follow Nicholas Pooran into becoming the second high-profile West Indies player to quit international cricket in a very short span. Amidst all this, Russell said his focus is still on making West Indies win in the two games at his home ground. 'First, I would say I want to make sure that we win these two games, and give the fans something good to celebrate. Especially, cricket hasn't been played here in a while. 'So I think whoever comes out to support, any series, any form of cricket which is played back in Jamaica, fans will want to come out.' 'I think once the last game that people watch, they tend to remember the good or the bad. So once we play two good games here and we finish on a high, definitely, who knows cricket can be back and the love and support in Jamaica will always be there.' 'Definitely, I want to see Sabina Park full with all the cricket fans around the country. When the team moves on to St. Kitts, definitely I want to see that support as well. 'I'll be watching and I want to make sure that we start off well here at Sabina Park. Fans, support whether you're watching us on the telly or you're here in the stands,' he elaborated. Agencies
