Son Heung-min Shines as South Korea Crushes Singapore in Klinsmann Era
Son Heung-min showcased his skills with a stunning goal from outside the box as Jurgen Klinsmann’s South Korea comfortably defeated Singapore 5-0 on Thursday, marking an impressive start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Despite dominating possession at Seoul World Cup Stadium, South Korea struggled to find the net until Cho Gue-sung broke the deadlock in the 44th minute. Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in delivered a precise, curling cross into the box, catching the Singapore defenders off guard. FC Midtjylland forward Cho seized the opportunity, sneaking in behind the defense to slot the ball home. Earlier in the match, Cho had hit the crossbar with a volley at the 34th-minute mark, adding to several missed chances by South Korea in the first half, including a disallowed goal for offside in the 21st minute.
The second goal came four minutes into the second half, with Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers heading home for his second consecutive goal for the national team.
In the 61st minute, skipper and star player Son Heung-min extended the lead to 3-0 with a delightful left-footed curler from outside the box. Following a disallowed goal for offside on Singapore’s side, Hwang Ui-jo of Norwich City converted a penalty to make it 4-0.
The comprehensive victory was sealed in the 85th minute when PSG’s Lee Kang-in added the finishing touch with a left-footed strike. South Korea’s next challenge will be against China in Shenzhen next Tuesday, while Singapore is set to host Thailand on the same day.
