Son Heung-min Leads South Korea as Striker in AFC Asian Cup Semifinals Against Jordan

SEOUL, South Korea – In a crucial AFC Asian Cup semifinal match, South Korea will feature their captain, Son Heung-min, in the striker position against Jordan. The match is scheduled to take place at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, west of Doha, Qatar. Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. local time on Tuesday, which corresponds to midnight Wednesday in South Korea.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Son Heung-min, the celebrated Tottenham Hotspur forward, will spearhead the attack, supported by a formidable trio of Europe-based attackers: Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Lee Jae-sung of Mainz 05, and Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain. Both Son and Lee Kang-in are currently leading their team in goals, each having netted three times in the tournament.

However, the team faces a challenge on defense, as they will be without key player Kim Min-jae from Bayern Munich. The center-back received his second yellow card of the tournament during the quarterfinals against Australia, rendering him ineligible for the semifinal clash. Jung Seung-hyun of Ulsan Hyundai FC will take Kim’s place, rejoining the starting lineup after previously starting in the first two group stage matches alongside Kim in a back-four formation. Kim Young-gwon, also of Ulsan, will serve as the other center back, with Seol Young-woo and Kim Tae-hwan covering the flanks.

The midfield duo of Hwang In-beom, playing for Crvena Zvezda, and Park Yong-woo of Al Ain FC, will continue their partnership for the second consecutive match. Goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo, also from Ulsan, is set for his fifth consecutive start. Jo’s performance has been pivotal in South Korea’s journey, notably saving two penalties in the shootout win against Saudi Arabia in the round of 16 and making critical saves against Australia to secure their place in the semifinals.

The victor of the South Korea vs. Jordan match will advance to face either Iran or host nation Qatar in the final, scheduled for Saturday in Lusail, just north of Doha. South Korea is aiming to secure their first AFC Asian Cup title since 1960, marking a significant milestone in their football history.