Son Heung-min blamed South Korea’s shoddy pitches for his or her 2026 World Cup qualifying struggles after a 1-1 draw with Jordan left them sweating on an automated place on the event. The Koreans have been held at residence for a second recreation in a row on Tuesday after additionally drawing with Oman final week and maintain a precarious lead on the prime of Asian qualifying Group B with an away journey to third-placed Iraq nonetheless to come back. South Korea’s two qualifiers in March have been moved away from Seoul due to the capital stadium’s poor pitch however skipper Son mentioned the turf was nonetheless under par and took purpose at his nation’s soccer directors.
“When we’re at residence we’re imagined to get pleasure from the very best enjoying situations attainable however issues haven’t improved in any respect,” the Tottenham striker informed reporters after the sport in Suwon.
“I do know we will play higher than this however when situations on our residence soil get in the best way, then I ponder the place we should always get our residence benefit.”
Poor pitches have been a working theme in South Korean soccer, with former Manchester United and England ahead Jesse Lingard additionally weighing in final month.
Lingard, who now performs for FC Seoul within the Ok League, tripped over a bit of turf whereas enjoying at residence for his membership and later took to social media to air his frustration.
South Korea’s World Cup qualifier towards Iraq in October final yr was additionally moved away from the capital due to the enjoying situations.
“I do know this will sound like an excuse, however each small element issues in soccer,” mentioned Son.
“It could make the distinction of getting one level or getting three factors. I hope folks can pay nearer consideration to it.”
Lee Jae-sung gave South Korea the lead within the fifth minute earlier than Jordan equalised later within the first half.
The outcome leaves the Koreans on prime of Group B with 16 factors, three forward of Jordan and 4 forward of Iraq, who suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Palestine.
The prime two qualify robotically for the World Cup in 2026 in North America.
South Korea play Iraq away of their subsequent recreation earlier than rounding off their marketing campaign at residence to Kuwait.
“Despite this disappointment we’re nonetheless main the group and that is a truth,” mentioned Son.
“We wish to keep there till the tip of the spherical.”
(This story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
