Originally listed as a substitute, Son had to start after Jeon Yu-gyeong suffered an injury in the warm-up, with the former opening the scoring in the ninth minute as Korea Republic not only advanced to the semi-finals but also booked their place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
“Whether the players are starting or on the bench, every single one of us is ready to contribute,” said Son. “So while it was a surprise, I was ready to go and the team was ready as well, as the result showed. .....
⚽ 𝗚𝗢𝗔𝗟 | 🇰🇷 Korea Republic 1️⃣-0️⃣ Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
— #WAC2026 (@afcasiancup) March 14, 2026
Son Hwa-yeon fires Korea Republic in front with the breakthrough goal!
Watch 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀: https://t.co/iqCP4a0HEz#WAC2026 | #KORvUZB pic.twitter.com/yPhxZ8R79d
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