Let’s find out ‘Why Is South Korea Captain Son Wearing A Mask At The World Cup?’ Son Heung-min has been given the go-ahead to start for South Korea against Uruguay in their World Cup opening, but he will be donning a protective face mask in black.
Why Is South Korea Captain Son Wearing A Mask At The World Cup?
Earlier in November, when playing for Tottenham against Marseille in the Champions League, the winger suffered an eye socket fracture. He is one of many World Cup players who are recovering from facial injuries by donning a mask.
:focal(1393x317:1395x315)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2022/11/24/3496079-71268748-2560-1440.jpg)
When Tottenham supporters watch South Korea’s opening World Cup match against Uruguay on Thursday, they will sort of recognize a familiar face on their televisions.
Spurs player Son Heung-min, a star in the Premier League, will take the field for his nation while donning a safety mask.
On November 1, Son suffered a serious injury, breaking his eye socket during a Champions League match against Marseille.
Soon after, he had surgery, raising questions about his involvement in Qatar.
However, he was called up to the team and told Paulo Bento that he “won’t miss this for the world” before South Korea’s tournament opener.
“Sonny is a musician. Bento confirmed on Wednesday that he will be fit to play.
“I don’t think he would find it bothersome that he would be wearing a mask. For him, it comes fairly naturally. Since we’ve been here, we’ve followed the plan, and it’s clear that it’s been natural given how we’ve absorbed him into our group.
“Our objective is that he will feel as at peace as possible, and we will employ the finest tactics to help him feel at ease throughout the game.”
Football players who have suffered facial injuries can now compete by wearing protective masks, which are becoming more and more prevalent.
Who Else Is Wearing Masks At The World Cup?
:focal(1616x342:1618x340)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2022/11/24/3496094-71269048-2560-1440.jpg)
This year’s World Cup has already featured appearances by players from Belgium, Croatia, and Tunisia wearing face masks on the fields.
On Wednesday, Meunier came off the bench as Belgium defeated Canada 1-0. Gvardiol started as Croatia drew 0-0 with Morocco, while Skhiri played the entire match as Tunisia held Denmark to a scoreless draw.
The Belgian player, who fractured his cheekbone against Hannover earlier this season, is sporting a mask, and Gvardiol, who broke his nose on November 10, was sporting a black mask.
Son, 30, is the captain of South Korea and has 105 international appearances under his belt.
The Asian nation is in Group H with Portugal, Ghana, and Uruguay.
