Son Heung-min wears mask in South Korea World Cup clash vs Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. Here’s why

Players using masks are now more frequently sighted on football fields. It serves as protection for their faces rather than a new fashion accessory.

Why is Son Heung-min sporting a mask?

• Earlier this month, during Spurs' 2-1 victory against Marseille in the UEFA Champions League, the 30-year-old attacker was compelled to leave the game.

• He was hit in the face when he and Chancel Mbemba engaged in a header challenge.


• It was quickly questioned if Son would go to Qatar to represent his country in the competition, but he eventually had eye surgery.

• The South Korean forward, who fractured his left eye, was wearing a mask when he entered the field for his team's opening match against Uruguay.

Tottenham's way forward in the World Cup

• Despite having an injury going into the World Cup in Qatar, Son is expected to be crucial to his side's success.

• Portugal leads the group after winning both opening matches, so South Korea will need a strong showing to defeat them.

• Son and his team will need to defeat Portugal by two goals to advance, and they will also need to hope that Ghana loses to Uruguay.

• If Rodrigo Bentancur's team defeats Ghana, they will also need to hold onto their advantage over Uruguay in goal differential.

FAQs:

1. What was the head coach's take on Son's performance?
   Head coach Paulo Bento assured the media that Son was fine and played down worries that a mask would impair his performance before the Uruguay match ended 0-0.
2. How did fans react to the Spurs vs Ghana match?
   Fans were unhappy as the Spurs came back from a 2-0 behind to draw just after an hour in their 3-2 loss to Ghana.