Local hero Son Heung-min delighted his South Korean fans by scoring twice in Seoul on Wednesday as Tottenham Hotspur thrashed a K-League selection team 6-3.
English Premier League Golden Boot winners Son and Harry Kane, who scored two goals, both appeared for the second half as manager Antonio Conte ran out his entire team in his first pre-season match.
“Despite the fact that many players started their preseason only three days ago, others only had 10 days, it was a good game. It is most important to prepare all the players to be fit,” said Conte .
The 64,000-sold crowd in Seoul greeted each Son and Kane’s every move with enthusiasm World Cup stadium, even when hot at the touchline during the first half.
“Wonderful supporter, wonderful performance,” said the son after the final whistle in the lap of honor.
“It is the first game of the season, so I am really pleased and grateful that they came out in such rainy weather. I really, really enjoyed it,” said the 30-year-old.
Spurs defender Eric Dier scored in the 29th minute with a left footed drive. Team K-League equalized with a header from Cho Gue-sung to level 1-1 at half-time before the match erupted in a frenzy of goals after the break.
Spurs started with their new £60m signing at Everton, Richardson, in front, and was joined by Brazilian Kane after a lively first 45 minutes.
The England captain took just two minutes to make an impact, whipping into a cross from the right side as Kim Jin-hyuk converted with Richardson into his own net.
Son then cheered fiercely, but the K-League team spoiled the party by equalizing for the second time on 52 minutes through South African international Lars Veldwijk.
Two minutes later, Kane restored Tottenham’s lead with a trademark left-foot finish from outside the box.
Japan international Amano Jun inexplicably handled Spurs’ penalty, which Son converted to send his fans into frenzy.
Amano improved home a free-kick two minutes later, though lethal partnership Kane and Son, after the K-League team was reduced to 10 men, sealed a see-saw match with another goal.
“I’m satisfied with the intensity of the players. I didn’t ask for anything today. Scoring six goals was positive, conceding three goals was negative – and of course we need to improve,” Conte said after the match, which was full of pace. Speed was played.
Tottenham’s arrival at Incheon airport was greeted by thousands of fans and another 6,000 trying to catch a glimpse of their heroes in an open training session.
“I want to thank everyone who came here to watch the game. The welcome we got at the airport and despite being friendly it was amazing to play in front of 60,000 people. For me, it is a privilege and an honor to play at the club, Korea,” Conte said.
Tottenham will play the final match of their South Korea tour against Spain’s Sevilla at the World Cup Stadium in Suwon on Saturday.
read all breaking news, today’s fresh newswatch top videos And live TV Here.