Korea Republic's World Cup squad was officially disbanded on Friday after its return from Russia 2018. The Taeguk Warriors failed to reach the Round of 16 after finishing third in Group F. They lost 1-0 to Sweden and fell 2-1 to Mexico but stunned defending champions Germany 2-0.
After their four-year journey to football's showpiece event ended with regrets, Korea Republic will now move on to the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, where they will be defending their gold medal.
The men's football competition at the Asian Games will be held from August 14 to September 1 with 32 teams.
Only players born in or after January 1995 are eligible to take part in the men's football competition at the Asian Games, but a maximum of three players who are older than 23 can also be included on the official list of 20 players.
South Korea's U-23 head coach Kim Hak-bum is expected to announce his final Asian Games squad later this month. He recently called up 25 players and trained with them in Indonesia from June 12 to 24.
Although Kim has yet to confirm three overage "wild card" selections, the 58-year-old coach had been repeatedly hinting at picking Son for the Asian Games.
Son, 25, scored two goals at the World Cup and lived up to his reputation as Korea Republic's attacking ace. After returning home from Russia, the Tottenham Hotspur attacker said it's up to Kim to select him, but he is also in talks with his English Premier League club to release him for the Asian Games.
Son was not on the Korean team that won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games.
Son may partner with several of his teammates from the World Cup if he gets selected. Red Bull Salzburg forward Hwang Hee-chan, 22, and Hellas Verona attacker Lee Seung-woo, 20, are both eligible to play, although their European clubs have yet to approve their Asian Games participation.
Among those who competed at the 2018 World Cup, Korea Republic's starting goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo is also rising as one of the potential wild card selections, but Kim has yet to mention his name.
Jo, 26, attracted international attention through the World Cup with acrobatic saves, and was named the Man of the Match against Germany. After the World Cup, the Daegu FC goalkeeper said he wants to play for European clubs in the future.
Kim's team has been using Song Bum-kun and Kang Hyun-moo between the posts. Both Song and Kang are also starting goalkeepers for their respective clubs in the K League 1. Song plays for league leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, while Kang is with the Pohang Steelers.
Sources: yonhapnews.co.kr, FIFA via Getty Images
Source: the-afc.com