Ghana Staff Taking a 'Selfie' Next to a Stern-Looking Son Heung-min

Son Heung-min Sits on the Ground in Sadness and Disappointment Immediately After the Match
Korea Must Win Against Portugal to Have a Chance of Advancing to the Round of 16

A Ghana staff member taking a 'selfie' next to Son Heung-min as he composes his emotions.
Photo by ESPN FC social media account capture · Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] Son Heung-min, captain of the South Korean national team, could not hide his sadness after losing the second group stage match of the Qatar World Cup on the 28th (Korean time). His face was swollen from injury, and his expression was stiff. As Son Heung-min showed his disappointment, Ghana's coaching staff and players comforted him, but a Ghana staff member showing 'fan affection' toward Son Heung-min with a 'selfie camera' was caught on the broadcast screen, sparking controversy.

On the 28th (Korean time), South Korea lost 2-3 to Ghana in the second group stage match of Group H at the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup held in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Although the match was trailing 0-2, the game was leveled by consecutive goals from Cho Gue-sung (Jeonbuk) in the second half, but eventually conceded another goal. After the match, Son Heung-min sat down on the ground, unable to hide his sadness and disappointment.

Then, several Ghana players and coaching staff, including coach Otto Addo, approached Son Heung-min, patting and comforting him. Notably, Coach Addo is also a mentor who coached Son Heung-min at the youth team of Hamburg in Germany. Despite fiercely competing for 90 minutes in both halves, the moment of sportsmanship was highlighted as they shook hands after the match.

However, at this moment, a Ghana staff member came beside Son Heung-min and was caught on camera taking a selfie with him. Eurosport reported on the 29th that "Son Heung-min could not hide his tears after the match, and Ghana players and coaching staff comforted him," adding, "While they were comforting Son Heung-min, a Ghana staff member came beside him, casually put an arm around his shoulder, and took a photo together."

Australia's Yahoo7 also reported the same content, stating, "Son Heung-min was not in the mood to take a photo," and "This behavior by the Ghana staff is receiving criticism from fans online."

Regarding this scene, domestic football fans also criticized it as unsportsmanlike behavior. Netizens reacted with comments such as "I understand because we can't see a world-class player, but have some tact," "Luckily someone stopped him," and "I get wanting to take a photo with Son Heung-min, but isn't this too much?"

South Korea, currently third in the group with 1 draw and 1 loss, must win against Portugal on December 3rd. At the same time, in the Uruguay-Ghana match, if Uruguay wins but South Korea leads Uruguay in goal difference comparison, South Korea can advance to the round of 16. Alternatively, if Uruguay and Ghana draw, South Korea must beat Portugal by a margin of 2 goals or more.