What the World Cup means to… Heung-Min Son

As we count down to the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, we caught up with some of the players who are set to take part to talk about their memories of past tournaments. First up, South Korean forward Heung-Min Son.

What was the first World Cup you can remember watching?
The World Cup in 2002 in South Korea, when we hosted it with Japan. South Korea did very well, getting to the semi-finals and I was so inspired by what I was seeing. Just having the World Cup in your country of course makes for a great atmosphere but then when we did very well, the country went crazy! I was very proud of what South Korea achieved and I think everyone was. For South Korean people, this is a memory we will never forget.

Who were the stars that year?
So many good players! I just enjoyed every game, watching all the big players. For me, the stars were Ji-Sung Park and Young-Pyo Lee, the ex-Tottenham player – two guys who were young at the time. I grew up watching those guys and it has always been my dream to follow their footsteps and have a successful run in the World Cup.

If there was one World Cup game in history that you could have gone to, which one would it be and why?
South Korea’s semi-final against Germany in 2002. We were the first team from Asia ever to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup and it was a close game. Germany won 1-0.

What are the best memories you have of your own country at the World Cup?
When I played at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. This was my best memory so far and I still can’t believe that it happened. We didn’t do very well in the end – we came last in the group – but it was a good experience for me. I remember playing against Jan (Vertonghen) and Mousa (Dembele) for Belgium. I scored against Algeria as well, which was a special moment.

What is the best match you’ve ever seen at the finals?
When Italy played France in the final in 2006. It was 1-1 and Italy won on penalties but I was glad to see the game last so long with extra time because it was entertaining!

And the best goal?
Zinedine Zidane’s Panenka penalty for France against Italy in the 2006 final.

What is the most unusual kit you’ve seen at the tournament?
That’s difficult. It’s maybe not unusual, but obviously I like South Korea’s kit!