Tottenham star Son Heung-min boost of avoiding military service as South Korea score last-gasp penalty in Asian Games
South Korea will face either Syria or Vietnam in the semi-final on Wednesday
TOTTENHAM star Son Heung-min took a step closer to helping his country win the Asian games and getting himself out of military service.
The 26-year-old forward skippered South Korea to a dramatic 4-3 extra-time win over Uzbekistan in the quarter-final in Indonesia.
They fought back from 3-2 down in the second half to win the match in extra time, thanks to a 118th-minute penalty from Hee-Chan Hwang to progress to the semi-finals.
The tension was too much for the Spurs man who turned his back on his team-mate scoring the spot kick at the Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium near Jakarta.
South Korea will face then the winner of Syria or Vietnam in the semi-final on Wednesday.
While it means Son will not be available for his club side until after the international break next month, in the long-term it is good news for Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Korean law states that every man must report for national service for 21 months before they turn 28.
Only in special of circumstances are South Koreans given permission to skip their compulsory military service.
Winning gold at the games will mean Son is exempt from military service.
The forward has put off national service while looking to make it in Europe after leaving FC Seoul to join Hamburg’s academy aged 16.
Spurs go to Old Trafford tonight looking to maintain their perfect start to the league campaign with a win against Manchester United.