AL AIN: Son Heung-min was just the player South Korea needed to really get their Asian Cup campaign going.

In his first game since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur, Son earned a penalty and then assisted on his team’s second goal to help South Korea beat China 2-0 in Group ‘C’ on Wednesday.

With both teams already qualified, South Korea dominated possession and bombarded China’s goal in a more confident performance than their dour 1-0 wins over the Philippines and Kyrgyzstan.

China finished second in the group on six points, three adrift of the Koreans and three ahead of Kyrgyzstan, who also made the knockouts after a 3-1 win over Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Philippines.

Iran, joint favourites with the Koreans, topped Group ‘D’ after a 0-0 draw with second-placed Iraq while Vietnam beat Yemen 2-0 to finish third and retain their hopes of a place in the next round.

Son won the penalty in the 12th minute, his fleet footwork proving too much for Shi Ke to keep up with as the Chinese defender tripped him. Hwang Ui-jo took the penalty, shooting hard into the lower-left corner just past goalkeeper Yan Junling’s outstretched hand.

South Korea scored again in the 51st when Son’s corner was headed in by Kim Min-jae. It was the defender’s second goal in as many games.

Son is playing in his third international tournament in less than a year. After playing at the World Cup, Son missed the first part of the English season while playing for South Korea at the Asian Games. He led the team to the title, securing exemption from military service.

Son could be away for up to five of Tottenham’s matches in all competitions if South Korea reaches the Asian Cup final on February 1.

“Of course I’m a bit tired — I didn’t expect to play for so long,” Son said after completing 87 minutes despite a punishing run of 13 games for Tottenham since the start of December.

“But it’s an honour to wear this red shirt and play for the national team. My first game of the tournament, clean sheet, 2-0 — it’s a happy afternoon!”

China face Thailand in the last 16, while South Korea’s opposition will be a third-place team yet to be determined.

Kyrgyzstan advanced to the knockout rounds as a Vitalij Lux hat-trick helped them beat the Philippines. Eriksson’s Philippines finished bottom of Group ‘C’ while Kyrgyzstan were guaranteed one of the four places available in the last 16 for the third-placed sides with the best records.

Iran and Iraq played out a goalless draw in Dubai to ensure Iran topped Group ‘D’ on goal difference from the Iraqis after both finished with seven points, four ahead of third-placed Vietnam.

“When it’s necessary for my players to play, they play,” said Iran coach Carlos Queiroz. “When it’s necessary for them to fight, they fight. If it’s necessary for them to sing and dance, they will be ready.”

Nguyen Quang Hai curled a free kick into the top corner to give Vietnam the lead against Yemen after 38 minutes and Que Ngoc Hai’s penalty sealed the win for Park Hang-seo’s side, who could qualify depending on other results.

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2019