'Best day ever!' Son scoops Asian gold to avoid military service

Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min was left beaming from ear to ear after winning an exemption from almost two years of military service by leading South Korea to Asian Games gold on Saturday.

The defending champions beat Japan 2-1 after extra time in steamy Cibinong, West Java as Lee Seung-woo and Hwang Hee-chan scored the goals that will allow 26-year-old Son to see out his new five-year deal with Spurs.

A late header from Ayase Ueda gave South Korea an almighty fright, but they survived a nervous last few moments to capture a record fifth Asian Games title.

Korean captain Son, substituted in the dying seconds to buy precious time, sprinted from the bench to embrace goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo, sobbing tears of joy as they rolled on the turf together.

"This is the best day in my life," Son told AFP, clutching his gold medal.

"I'm so proud of my team-mates, they fought for 120 minutes. But without the Korean people behind us we couldn't win this tournament. Of course when I see the people support me, I want to give something back and this is the best present for my life."
- From tracksuit to camouflage -
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