‘Devastated’ Son apologises for exit

Doha – Son Heung-min (right) apologised and said he was “devastated” after South Korea crashed out of the Asian Cup with a stunning 2-0 semifinal defeat to underdogs Jordan on Tuesday.

The Koreans were aiming to win the tournament for the first time since 1960 but they failed to muster a single shot on target against a Jordan side ranked 64 places below them in the world.

Tottenham star Son said his team had been nervous and “did not want to make a mistake”.

“Very disappointing, devastated about this result,” the 31-yearold skipper told beIN Sports.

“Jordan are having an amazing journey at this tournament. They deserve it, they fought to the end.

“For us it was a very disappointing night.”

South Korea were on the brink of elimination in both previous knockout rounds but survived after scoring equalisers in second-half injury time.

This time they had no reply when Yazan Al-Naimat and Mousa Al-Tamari fired Jordan in front in the second-half, with Jurgen Klinsmann’s men rarely looking capable of scoring.

Jordan reached the final for the first time.

Son said South Korea had to “learn from these mistakes”.

“We have to look forward, there is no time for regret,” he said.

“Now I have to go back to my club and be ready for the rest of the season.”

Son scored three goals at the tournament – two coming from the penalty spot and one a freekick in extra time that gave them a quarterfinal win over Australia.

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klinsmann vowed to carry on as South Korea coach despite failing to fulfil his objective of reaching the final.

The German legend has not won over South Korean fans and media since taking over a year ago and is likely to face demands to quit.

Asked by AFP if he will quit, Klinsmann said: “I am not planning to do anything.”