Son admits he 'let team-mates down' as South Korea stumble in World Cup qualifier

Son Heung-min admitted he "let my team-mates down" after South Korea were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at home against Oman in their World Cup qualifier on 20 March.

The Tottenham forward failed to find the net as his side missed an opportunity to take a significant step towards qualification for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Coach Hong Myung-bo did not hold back in his criticism, calling the performance "our worst" in the third round of Asian qualifiers. South Korea had taken the lead late in the first half through Wolves' Hwang Hee-chan, but Oman capitalised on one of their few chances to equalise with ten minutes remaining.

The result reduced South Korea's lead at the top of Group B to just three points, with Jordan and Iraq both closing in. Only the top two teams will qualify automatically.

"I feel like I let my team-mates down today," Son told reporters after the match in Goyang. "But this is not the only match we're going to play together. We have been able to create positive situations to come this far, and we should learn from this match and take the next step."

South Korea now face a crucial home clash against Jordan on Tuesday before an away trip to Iraq, with Group B concluding in June.

Son, who has endured a difficult season at Spurs with injuries and inconsistent form, insisted qualification was far from straightforward.

"People might think this round is easy, but we have to work so hard for every match," he said. "A game like this can teach us a lesson. We have to take whatever positives we can from it."

Hong was visibly frustrated, particularly with his side's lack of control despite their lead.

"We gave away the ball too easily, and I felt like we were not really leading the match even though we were up by a goal," the coach said. "The opponent did not have many chances, but they still managed to score."