Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min played a captain's role as South Korea beat plucky Vietnam 3-1 to reach the Asian Games final on Wednesday. The World Cup star, who is missing the start of the Premier League season to represent his country in Indonesia, is now just 90 minutes away from a gold medal that would spare him a career-threatening spell of military service.
"I don't think I need to say anything," said Son, refusing to be drawn on the subject. "We're close to winning gold, to making history, and we will fight for it." A double from Lee Seung-woo and another goal from free-scoring striker Hwang Ui-jo sent the Koreans through to this weekend's final, where they face either Japan or the United Arab Emirates as they chase a record fifth title. Lee smashed South Korea in front after just seven minutes in Cibinong, near Jakarta, following some nifty footwork from Hwang Hee-chan. Son's clever flick provided the assist for Hwang Ui-jo to extend their advantage just before the half-hour mark.