Son Heung-min sorry to South Korea fans for 'not living up to expectations' at World Cup

Asian side were eliminated at the last-16 stage following a 4-1 defeat to Brazil on Monday night

Son Heung-min applauds the fans after South Korea's defeat to Brazil in the World Cup last 16. AP

South Korea captain Son Heung-min has apologised to the national team's fans for “not living up to their expectations” after exiting the World Cup at the last 16 stage on Monday night.

South Korea were soundly beaten 4-1 by Brazil at Stadium 974 in Doha, with all four Brazilian goals coming in the first half. The Asian team were much improved in the second half and Paik Seung-ho scored a 76th-minute consolation but the damage had already been done.

South Korea have still never won a World Cup knockout tie outside of their home country, where they reached the quarter-finals in 2002.

“I can only apologise to our fans for not living up to their expectations,” said 30-year-old Tottenham forward Son, who played in a mask in Qatar following facial surgery last month.

“We did our best but I think we played a very difficult game. Still, there is no doubt that all the players battled proudly, devoted themselves and worked hard to get this far.

“The players and staff really did their best to prepare for this match, so I hope you understand.”

Brazil v South Korea player ratings

BRAZIL RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 9: Super diving save after 16 minutes – and that was all in a one-sided first half. Another top save with his left shoulder straight after half time. And a third top save after 69. Finally beaten by a deflection for South Korea’s goal. One of the best goalkeepers in the world. Getty

Eder Militao - 7. Brought off as a precaution since another yellow would have meant he missed the next game. Solid. AFP

Marquinhos - 7. Really hard-working. Quick reaction to pass in the set-up for the third. He was in the South Korea area at the time. He and Thiago Silva are central defenders. AP

Thiago Silva - 8. Sublime pass for the third. He was in an attacking position as he became, at 38, the oldest player to assist in this World Cup. Hit long balls and intercepted. The shot for South Korea’s goal deflected off him. Getty

Danilo - 7. Enjoying his football and one of many brilliant Brazilians in the first half in front of 43,847. South Korea were totally overawed. Croatia will be tougher opponents in the last eight. Reuters

Casemiro - 8. His ball to Paqueta started the move for the third. Screened the back four. Neymar recently said: “Casemiro has been the best midfielder in the world for a long time.” We’re seeing why in this tournament. No goals, no assists, no brilliant Brazil without him. AFP

Paqueta - 9. Chosen ahead of Fred, the West Ham midfielder was involved in the third and scored the fourth, his first goal in the World Cup finals. Defended well when needed. Made three key passes. Getty

Raphinha - 8. Blitzed Hwang In-beom on the right before playing a ball towards Neymar after 7. He missed but Vinicius was waiting for it. Missed a chance on 45 when he should have gone for the ball with his head. Always a danger on the right and should have scored from one of his five shots, but his best game yet for his country. Getty

Neymar - 8. Back with a bang. Placed the second, a 13th-minute penalty, after teasing the goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu in his run up, waiting until he’d fallen to his knees before taking his shot. His 76th goal for Brazil – only one behind Pele’s record. Worked hard throughout. AFP

Vinicius - 8. Beautiful finish after stopping a ball from Raphinha to put Brazil ahead. Lifted a ball to Paqueta to score the fourth – the first time Brazil have scored four in the first half of a World Cup match since 1954. EPA

Richarlison - 9. Won the early penalty after being kicked. Scored the third after 29. He’s doing enough to be a first-choice starter in the team who are favourites to win the World Cup. Getty

SUBS: Dani Alves (On for Militao 63') - 7. Brazil’s most decorated player was fine, aged 39. Brings experience and good vibes. Volleyed wide. Getty

Gabriel Martinelli (On for Vinicius Junior 72') - 6. Going to be hard for him to get into the starting XI. Reuters

Bremer (On for Danilo 72') - 6. Another good use of his squad by coach as all five substitutes were used. Getty

Weverton (On for Alisson 80') - 6. Brazil’s third-choice goalkeeper was the final player of the squad to get minutes in this World Cup. All 26 have now played. AP

Rodrygo (On for Neymar 81') N/A. Shows the incredible strength in depth for this Brazil side. Reuters

SOUTH KOREA RATINGS: Kim Seung-gyu - 4. The first two goals were particularly cringeworthy for the keeper but aside from that, he did manage to make a handful of strong saves. AFP

Kim Moon-hwan - 4. Was left watching for the third goal and often looked panicky whenever the ball came near his orbit. Getty

Kim Min-jae - 4. The kindest word for his display would be ‘slow’ as he failed to keep up with the tempo he was being presented with. AP

Kim Young-gwon - 5. Went missing on several occasions despite some good distribution across the first half hour or so. EPA

Kim Jin-su - 4. Made a poorly timed challenge for the opener before being lost at sea for two of the remaining Brazilian goals. EPA

Lee Jae-sung - 5. Got forward well despite taking a bit too much time to make a final decision when faced with opponents. AP

Jung Woo-young - 4. Between a terribly timed tackle for the penalty and a lethargic attitude for the fourth, it was a poor day at the office for Jung. AP

Hwang In-beom - 4. Looked weak under pressure from Richarlison and couldn’t get going in the middle of the park. AFP

Hwang Hee-chan - 7. An inspiring performance from the Wolves’ star forward with a string of big chances to go alongside his fantastic work rate. AP

Cho Gue-sung - 5. Struggled and wasn’t really able to use his height and physicality to his advantage. AFP

Son Heung-min - 6. The talisman got stuck in and did the best he could under difficult circumstances against the juggernaut of Brazil. EPA

SUBS: Hong Chul (On for Kim 46') - 5: While he tracked his man well upon coming on, Chul was sent for a ride many times when in one-on-one situations. AFP

Son Jun-ho (On for Jung 46') - 6. Although he was slow to work up to the pace of the game, Son was still effective when entering the final third. Getty

Paik Seung-ho (On for Hwang 65') - 7. Fine strike earned deserved consolation goal for his side. AFP

Lee Kang-in (On for Lee 74') - 6. A decent ball that, technically, led to an assist for the goal added up to a solid enough cameo for Lee. Reuters

Hwang Ui-jo (On for Cho 80') - N/A. PA

South Korea manager Paulo Bento announced in the immediate aftermath of the defeat that he would not be staying on, a decision he said was made in September. The 53-year-old former Portugal international had been in charge since 2018.

Son failed to score at the tournament and showed only fleeting glimpses of his best form, but it was his excellent assist which led to Korea's last-gasp winner against Portugal and ensured their place in the knockouts.

“I never once had any doubt about the style of football he pursued,” Son told Korean media in a reference to critics, who said Bento was too cautious at times.

“A lot of people had reservations about it but they all cheered for us when we played well at the World Cup here. We were able to execute things we'd worked on for the last four years. It's really sad to see him go.”