Son Heung-min’s Stunning Free-kick Helps Defeat Bolivia 2-0

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

In an impressive display of skill, South Korea’s national football team triumphed over Bolivia with a 2-0 victory on October 14, 2023. The match took place at the Daejeon World Cup Stadium and showcased key performances from team captain Son Heung-min and forward Cho Gue-sung, who made a notable return to the field.

Son Heung-min’s Stunning Free-kick

Captain Son Heung-min, playing as the striker, scored the opening goal with a stunning free-kick in the 57th minute. This brilliant shot found the top left corner of the net, adding to his record of seven free-kick goals in international matches. He is now only four goals away from matching the all-time South Korean men’s scoring record held by Cha Bum-kun.

Cho Gue-sung’s Comeback

Returning from an injury, Cho Gue-sung came off the bench in the second half and delivered the final blow with a goal in the 88th minute. This marked his first appearance for the national team since March 2022. His performance was a significant moment, especially following a challenging recovery after a knee surgery in May 2023.

Match Statistics and Tactical Insights

Match Date: October 14, 2023
Location: Daejeon World Cup Stadium
FIFA Rankings: South Korea (22), Bolivia (76)
Possession: South Korea (61%)
South Korea’s Match Record Against Bolivia: 2 wins, 2 draws

After experimenting with a three-back formation in previous matches, head coach Hong Myung-bo reverted to a four-back setup for this encounter. This shift allowed more offensive involvement from the full-backs, aimed at breaking through Bolivia’s defense.

Key Moments of the Match

Despite controlling possession, South Korea’s first half was marked by missed opportunities. Early chances included a corner kick from Son that was narrowly saved and a powerful shot from Lee Kang-in that was blocked. Bolivia’s defense employed a physical style, attempting to disrupt South Korea’s rhythm.

The win secured a second consecutive victory for South Korea in international friendlies, further enhancing their confidence as they prepare for future competitive matches, including the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Celebrating Milestones

Prior to the kickoff, a ceremony was held to honor Lee Jae-sung’s achievement of reaching 100 international caps. He received a commemorative plaque from Chung Mong-kyu, president of the Korea Football Association. This match marked Lee’s 102nd cap for the national team.