Son Heung-min struggled mightily in South Korea’s heavy 4-1 defeat against Brazil. The underdogs failed to generate any significant offense, and their backline proved especially porous against the South Americans’ talented attack. Hwang Hee-chan turned in one of the few positive performances for his country, creating a few decent chances in the first half.
Kim Seung-gyu – 7
Brazil absolutely peppered the South Korea goalkeeper with shots, scoring four before he made his first save. Despite the high number of goals allowed, Kim managed several impressive stops and kept the scoreline somewhat respectable.
Kim Young-gwon – 4
For much of the match, Kim Young-gwon squared off against Richarlison on the backline. The centre-back struggled to defend against the striker’s nonstop rotation, and he allowed the Brazil star to get on the ball far too easily.
Kim Min-jae – 5
As South Korea’s star defender, Min-jae won a handful of challenges on the backline, looking like his country’s most competent defender. However, Brazil’s rapid passing and movement proved to be too much for the Napoli man.
Kim Jin-su – 4
Kim Jin-su had no answer for the creative talent of Raphinha in the channel. The winger had no trouble creating space or progressing the ball against the 30-year-old full-back.
Kim Moon-hwan – 4.5
Like his counterpart on the left, Moon-hwan struggled to contain Vinicius Junior and did not offer much in terms of offense either.
Jung Woo-young – 3.5
The midfielder had too quiet of a match and was taken off at halftime.
Hwang In-beom – 4
South Korea’s other central midfielder struggled to anticipate or stop the quick passing as Brazil sliced through the middle third of the pitch.
Lee Jae-sung – 5.5
From a versatile central midfield role, Lee Jae-sung got on the ball much more than his teammates, However, despite his solid distribution, he failed to get on the ball enough in the final third.
Son Heung-min – 5
As Brazil dominated early in the first half, Son’s influence was negligible. The Tottenham star was rarely in possession, and, while passing at a disappointing 68% completion rate, he struggled to create any attacking chances for South Korea, even after a tactical change in the second 45 minutes.
Hwang Hee-chan – 6.5
On the left wing, Hwang was lone bright spot for his country. He created a few shooting chances for himself, including one wonderful strike that seemed destined for the goal before Alisson saved it.
Cho Gue-sung – 4.5
Cho struggled to watch his line and was called for offside multiple times in the first half. The striker had a poor day, receiving little service and playing poorly with the ball at his feet.
WHAT A STRIKE ??
Paik Seung-ho takes one back for South Korea ?? pic.twitter.com/Ux3ejbvpf2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 5, 2022
Substitutes
Paik Seung-ho – 8
The substitute score a wicked goal late in the second half, but it was far too late to salvage a result.