The Ghanaian staff member seemed oblivious to Son’s tears (Picture: BBC Sport)
Son Heung-min was once again left in tears at a World Cup after South Korea’s defeat to Ghana on Monday – though that did not stop one of the Ghanian coaches from taking a selfie with him.
The Asian giants are now on the precipice of exiting the tournament after a thrilling 3-2 defeat at the Education City Stadium, with a win against Portugal now needed in their final match – though even that might not be enough.
South Korea were undone by two very similar goals on Monday, with two deep crosses into the box causing havoc as Mohammed Salisu and Mohammed Kudus gave Ghana a two-goal lead at half-time.
But Korea roared back into the match in the second half as striker Cho Gue-sung netted two brilliant headers – the second coming from an incredible leap – in the space of three minutes to tie things up.
Kudus then hit back again just a few moments later, giving Ghana the lead once more, and despite having three times as many shots as their opponents and 64% possession, Korea were ultimately unable to find a leveller despite laying siege to their opponents’ box.
In truth, Tottenham star Son – who is playing with a protective mask after fracturing his eye socket earlier this month – was only ever a peripheral figure in the match and struggled to impact events.
Son was consoled by some of the Ghana staff at full-time (Picture: BBC Sport)
Son, who has been playing through pain, looked devastated (Picture: PA)
When the full-time whistle was blown, he was visibly emotional and broke down in tears, even pushing away his manager Paulo Bento when the Portuguese coach tried to console him.
Ghana’s coaching team – including the legendary George Boateng – also went over to Son, who was doubled over with his head between his legs following the shock defeat.
While some consoled him and offered kind words, another member of the coaching team had the audacity to whip out his mobile phone and try to take a selfie with Son.
George Boateng told the coach off and gave him a stern glare (Picture: BBC)
The tearful Spurs winger was clearly in no mood for a photo and turned in the opposite direction, pulling away from the Ghanaian coach, while Boateng reached out to stop the coach from taking a photo and gave him a stern glare and a telling off.
Son’s tears were reminiscent of how upset he was back at the 2018 World Cup in Russia when he scored a stunning goal against Mexico but Korea lost 2-1 and exited the tournament.
Speaking about the result for Ghana, two-goal hero Kudus said: ‘It’s a good feeling. We wanted the three points and we got them. Everyone was absolutely on top of their game today. They came back to 2-2, we had to come up with more energy and it happened.
‘I want to thank all my team-mates, it’s a team game and they all played a part in my performance. The cross in from Jordan [Ayew] and the cut-back from Inaki [Williams]. Big up to everyone because everyone played a part.’
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The Ghanaian staff member seemed oblivious to Son’s tears.