South Korean star Son could miss two years of football in order to complete military service

South Korean star Son could miss two years of football in order to complete military service

Son llora desconsoladamente tras la derrota... y ante su perspectiva militar
Son llora desconsoladamente tras la derrota... y ante su perspectiva militar. | sport

Tottenham Hotspur's Son would need to complete his military service starting in September if South Korea fail to win the Asian Games in August

There were tears in South Korea following their loss to Mexico, a result which practically seals their elimination from this World Cup. However there might be another reason for such sadness as this group of players, led by Tottenham star Son Heung-min, are all facing the prospect of going off to fulfil military service and as such putting a major roadblock in their professional careers.

The laws in South Korea are very strict when it comes to military service. The only way to avoid that requirement is if they achieve something significant whilst representing their country. For the football team that means qualifying for the quarter finals of the World Cup or winning the gold medal at the Asian Games. With the World Cup one now seemingly out of reach it only leaves the Asian tournament which starts on the 18th August and finishes on the 2nd September.

Tottenham's Son will turn 26 at the beginning of next month - the age where most adults fulfil their military service - and so failure win at the Asian Games would cut short his footballing career at the highest level.

To progress in the World Cup they first need to beat Germany on the last match day and for Mexico to beat Sweden by a substantial amount of goals. If not, they're reduced to winning the gold medal at the Asian Games which will take place in Indonesia. If they don't then Son might not return to Spurs following the tournament and instead be forced to begin his two years of military service.