Son Heung-min’s rise to stardom with Tottenham in recent years has thrust him squarely into the spotlight for his national team, as he carries the burden of South Korea’s hopes on the international stage.

On Monday, on his first World Cup appearance as his team’s leading player, he wasn’t quite able to deliver, as the Taeguk Warriors fell to Sweden 1-0 in their tournament opener.

Here’s a closer look at Son’s performance.

KEY STATS

Goals – 0

Assists – 0

Shots – 0

Key passes – 2

Passing accuracy – 77%

Dribbles – 3

Touches – 51

30-SECOND REPORT

Not one of Son’s best displays as his decision-making on the ball was found wanting. Hesitant at times, not sure whether he could trust his teammates, the Tottenham man tried to go it alone too often.

When he began finding the range and vision that are so often key features of his game, he was a far greater threat, although still not enough to create any telling opportunities for Korea. He’s capable of greater displays than this.

GOT RIGHT

As always, Son was a tireless, relentless, and intelligent runner in attack. His pace and ability to find pockets of space with or without the ball meant he was a constant thorn in the sides of Sweden’s defenders.

Showcased his usual skill on the ball, with some neat flicks, quick dribbling, and clever passes driving Korea’s attack. He grew into the game after his side went behind, looking increasingly dangerous as Korea chased a goal.

GOT WRONG

Guilty of holding onto the ball for too long quite often, as if convinced that he had to do it all himself if Korea were to get anything out of the game. On multiple occasions he tried dribbling himself out of trouble rather than getting his team-mates involved when an easy pass was available.

His delivery from set-pieces was also found wanting, as he was unable to create the level of threat that his ability advertises.

KEY MOMENTS

76th minute CHANCE: Son got into the box with a clever run, putting himself in good position to get on the end of a chipped ball. His intelligent header was just behind a team-mate, and the chance was gone.

VERDICT

Son looked little like the man who terrorizes defences in the Premier League. Of course, there’s a difference playing alongside Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Harry Kane, but Son knows he bears greater responsibility when putting on his national team colours.

On Monday, he wasn’t able to live up to the expectation. He can’t win games for South Korea on his own – although sometimes he tries too hard to do so, which is worse. He’ll need to improve against Mexico and Germany.

RATING – 6/10