SYDNEY: South Korea are sweating on the health of key playmaker Son Heung-min for Monday’s Asian Cup semi-final against Iraq, with his availability key to their chances of ending their long title drought in the continental championship.

The Bayer Leverkusen creative midfielder missed two group games with illness before returning for the extra-time quarter-final win over Uzbekistan.

The exertion of the two-hour game after his illness overwhelmed Son, who was carried from field on a stretcher after the final whistle.

Whether he can return to his peak on just three days’ rest to face 2007 champions Iraq in Sydney will be crucial for a South Korea team which has already lost Lee Chung-yong and Koo Ja-Cheol to injuries.

“It’s not an excuse but we are missing two or three big players,” coach Uli Stielike, whose side are hoping to end the Asian Cup title drought that dates back to 1960, said. “No other team has had to show such mental strength and sacrifice as our boys.”

Iraq are on a high after surprisingly eliminating neighbours Iran in a thrilling quarter-final, which saw Iran — with 10 men — twice equalise in extra-time before Iraq won the penalty shootout 7-6.

Talismanic striker and captain Younis Mahmoud scored against Iran, and his experience of guiding the line-up to the 2007 Asian Cup title will be vital to building self-belief for Monday’s game. “We have a young squad and he is our leader,” coach Radhi Shenaishil said. “He’s the type of player that opponents hate to play against.”

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2015

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