South Korea captain Son Heung-min expressed disappointment after his team was held to a 1-1 draw against Palestine in a World Cup qualifying match, attributing the result to costly mistakes while also praising the resilience of their opponents.
Despite the stalemate in Amman, South Korea remains on track to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup in North America. However, Tuesday’s unexpected result left Son and his team frustrated as they failed to capitalize on their dominance.
Match Recap
The game, considered a home fixture for Palestine but played in Jordan due to ongoing conflict, saw an early shock when Zaid Qunbar capitalized on a defensive error by Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae to give Palestine the lead in the 12th minute.
South Korea responded swiftly, with Son leveling the score just four minutes later, netting his 51st international goal. From that point, South Korea controlled the match but struggled to convert numerous opportunities, allowing Palestine to defend valiantly and secure a valuable point.
Son’s Assessment
Speaking to reporters post-match, Son acknowledged South Korea’s shortcomings.
"I think we made the match a bit difficult due to our mistakes, but even after conceding, we managed to bounce back quickly," he said. "If we had converted all our chances into goals, we definitely could have won, so I feel a bit regretful about that."
The Tottenham Hotspur forward emphasized the importance of learning from the experience as South Korea looks to refine their approach in the remaining qualifiers.
Palestine’s Resilience
Son also took the opportunity to commend the Palestinian team, who face significant challenges as they train and play abroad due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
"I want to give a big round of applause to the Palestinian team," he said. "Despite the challenging circumstances, their dedication and hard work are truly inspiring. There are definitely lessons for our team to learn from them."
Group B Standings
South Korea continues to lead Group B with four matches remaining in this decisive phase of qualification, where the top two teams will secure direct entry to the World Cup. Palestine, while bottom of the six-team group, remains in contention for a playoff spot, with the third- and fourth-placed teams advancing to an additional qualifying phase.
Looking Ahead
Son expressed optimism despite the setback, urging his team to focus on preparation for upcoming fixtures. "It's disappointing that we couldn't win, but I hope we can prepare well for the upcoming matches and achieve great results next year," he said.
South Korea will next face Oman and Jordan at home in March, with both games offering opportunities to solidify their place in the 2026 World Cup. For Palestine, the draw serves as a reminder of their potential as they continue to fight for an unprecedented qualification.
