Gold for mum
Harry and Dele ignoring me, sulks Heung-min as his career’s on the line
A former cook’s son Fauzi Kaman Shah found the right recipe to splash his way to the Asian Games gold in sailing. And the 15-year-old Fauzi – who became the youngest medal winner for the Malaysian contingent in Indonesia after a commanding performance in the Laser 4.7 Open category – quickly attributed his success to his mother Hasni Muhammad. In cycling, sprint champion Azizulhasni Awang paid a heavy price for underestimating the opposition in the men’s keirin final and settled for bronze in his pet event.
TOTTENHAM star Son Heung-min said he was still waiting for Spurs teammates Harry Kane and Dele Alli to wish him luck as he goes into today’s Asian Games football final – with his career on the line.
The 26-year-old, who is chasing a gold medal that would spare him nearly two years of military service, revealed that the England pair had yet to contact him, despite a huge outpouring of support back in London.
“I wish they had texted!” Heungmin told AFP before today’s crunch final against Japan in Cibinong, West Java.
“But I’ve had lots from (Spurs defender) Ben Davies, who sends me texts wishing me good luck before every game.”
Heung-min is 90 minutes away from the title and his last chance at an exemption that would allow him to see out his new five-year contract with Spurs.
Failure is not an option as without gold, the multi-millionaire footballer faces spending 21 months in the military, as is compulsory for South Korean men.
South Korea remains technically at war with nuclear-armed North Korea, and the two countries share the world’s most heavily armed border.
“Of course it’s an important game, it’s a final, but it’s normal – I’m not thinking of it any differently,” he shrugged, looking to play down the pressure.
But we are ready and we’re hungry to win the tournament. We have a lot of young, inexperienced players but when I look into their eyes I can see that hunger.”
Spurs only released their potent forward to compete as one of three permitted over-age players at the far-flung, regional Under-23 tournament because he pleaded with the London club.
“I want to play for Spurs too but the main thing is my country,” said Heung-min , who played a captain’s role in his side’s 3-1 semi-final win over Vietnam in midweek.
“I want to make South Korean people happy and also hopefully Tottenham fans too back in London.”
Nearly every able-bodied South Korean male is required to carry out 21 months of military service before the age of 28, although the government rewards Asian Games gold medals and Olympic medals of any colour with an exemption.
Heung-min was selected to play at the 2014 Asian Games but his former club Bayer Leverkusen refused to release him – and the Koreans scooped gold.
His tears after South Korea’s quarter-final defeat by Honduras at the 2016 Rio Olympics melted hearts, and thousands offered to do double their own military services in an online petition if Heung-min could be pardoned.
But Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu warned the Koreans to expect a scrap in the Asian Games final after the Blue Samurai edged the United Arab Emirates 1-0 to reach the final.
“We know how strong South Korea are but my players are ready to leave everything out on that pitch,” he said.
“Every player needs to step up – be brave, be aggressive and be wise.”
Well-wishers have taken to social media in support of Heung-min, a fact not lost on the player.
“I’m so grateful for all the support,” he said.
“But there’s one more game left and it’s important for me to help bring the team together and focus on finishing the job.” — AFP