AFC Women's Asian Cup
Kim Hye-ri stepped up to coolly dispatch a penalty in the 59th minute, before curling in an inch-perfect free-kick delivery 16 minutes later for Ko Yoo-jin to head in the third goal of a 3-0 win at the Perth Stadium to send the East Asians top of Group C.
It was a star turn from the right-back, who had only netted once in her previous 137 national team appearances, and is not known for her scoring prowess.
However, the veteran defender, who has been a stalwart since making her debut in 2010 and is appearing at her fourth AFC Women’s Asian Cup, decided to take charge at a crucial moment in the match after Lee Eun-young had won the penalty.
However, the veteran defender, who has been a stalwart since making her debut in 2010 and is appearing at her fourth AFC Women’s Asian Cup, decided to take charge at a crucial moment in the match after Lee Eun-young had won the penalty.
#WAC2026 | Group A: Korea Republic 3-0 IR Iran
“I felt some of my teammates were under pressure to take the penalty, so I wanted to take responsibility myself,” she told the-AFC.com. “I am glad that it resulted in a goal. I was able to take set-pieces confidently because the team trusted me with the responsibility. During training, I have been feeling good about my delivery and accuracy, so I had confidence going into those situations.”
It is almost impossible to imagine a Korea Republic side without Kim, who picked up football at six and was at times heralded as the female version of men’s legend Hong Myung-bo when rising through the ranks. With 138 caps, she is the fourth-most capped player for the Taegeuk Ladies and alongside record-holder Ji So-yun (172), whom she played alongside during her youth, and Jang Sel-gi (110), they are the only trio with over 100 caps in their Australia 2026 squad.
At club level, Kim has experienced immense success. Dependable at both right-back and in the heart of defence, Kim won 11 straight league titles with Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels from 2014 to 2023, while she lifted the AFC Women’s Champions League 2024/25™ trophy with Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC. Nominated for the AFC Player of the Year 2023 accolade, Kim joined Suwon FC Women for the upcoming season and shows no signs of stopping.
At club level, Kim has experienced immense success. Dependable at both right-back and in the heart of defence, Kim won 11 straight league titles with Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels from 2014 to 2023, while she lifted the AFC Women’s Champions League 2024/25™ trophy with Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC. Nominated for the AFC Player of the Year 2023 accolade, Kim joined Suwon FC Women for the upcoming season and shows no signs of stopping.
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Despite being the eldest member of Shin Sang-woo’s side, the 35-year-old remains integral to the national team set-up and is determined to give her all for as long as possible.
“Representing Korea Republic is not something I can simply choose for myself, so every time I am selected for the national team, it feels like a great honour and happiness,” Kim said. “Being able to represent my country as a player is something I am truly grateful for, and that is my biggest motivation.”
“Representing Korea Republic is not something I can simply choose for myself, so every time I am selected for the national team, it feels like a great honour and happiness,” Kim said. “Being able to represent my country as a player is something I am truly grateful for, and that is my biggest motivation.”
And after falling agonisingly short in the final in 2022, Kim is gunning for ultimate glory this time and is confident that there will be more to come from Korea Republic.
“I am happy to have contributed with one goal and one assist, but honestly, neither the team nor I are fully satisfied with our overall performance,” she asserted. “Since it was our first match of the tournament, I believe both the team and myself will show better performances moving forward.”
“I am happy to have contributed with one goal and one assist, but honestly, neither the team nor I are fully satisfied with our overall performance,” she asserted. “Since it was our first match of the tournament, I believe both the team and myself will show better performances moving forward.”
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