His first goal, in the 17th minute, was the result of a surging run on the right that concluded with a stunning low shot that rocketed past keeper Hamid Amiri. His second in the 70th minute saw his first shot rebound off Amiri, but there was no mistake with his follow-up.

“Our second match was crucial because we knew we had to win after our loss to Indonesia,” said Kim, who made his fourth appearance for Korea Republic against the Central Asians.

“And it was in the second all-important match that we really clicked as a team at Saudi Arabia 2025 and kept alive our hopes of making the quarter-finals,” he said.

“I could have scored more but missed some chances. I need to improve on my dribbling skills and crossing for my next match to better contribute.“

It was his goal in their third match against Yemen, however, that stood out. In the 29th minute, Kim received a pass from Jeong Hyeo-nung and with his back facing the goal, did a quick turn and without looking up, flicked the ball past custodian Anas Al-Douh.

It proved his only shot on target, but that proved to be the match-winner, with the two-time champions finishing second in their group and making the knockout stage as well as qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.

His three goals currently have him among the top scorers of the tournament, alongside Uzbekistan’s Asilbek Aliev, Indonesia’s Evandra Florasta and Japan’s Minato Yoshida.

Kim made two appearances in the Saudi Arabia 2025 Qualifiers, where he scored in their 13-0 defeat of Maldives. Korea Republic finished their group unbeaten with three wins and one draw. 

The lanky striker, who plays his club football for Seoul’s Daedong Taxation High School, said his team are taking Saudi Arabia 2025 one step at a time after securing passage into the quarter-finals. 

“I aim to get better from game to game and do my best, and of course, there’s the FIFA World Cup to look forward to after this tournament.”

Kim will get the opportunity to add to his tally when Korea Republic play Tajikistan in the quarter-finals on Monday.