Lee relishing World Cup debut

Lee claimed the 2017 KFA Player of the Year title

She finished Asian qualifier as the team’s top-scorer

She aims to show her best in World Cup debut

While Kim Younggwon and Hon Seungmin caused waves of admiration which wrapped the globe for their late winners against Germany at 2018 FIFA World Cupâ„¢, back home inspiration was brewing.

"I was so proud of our team, defeating the reigning world champions," said Lee Mina, star midifielder for the Korea Republic women’s national team.

The 26-year-old may count among Lionel Messi and Luka Modric’s adoring fans - "I like their style of playing, I watch footage of them play all the time" â€“ it’s her Taeguk Warrior counterparts she hopes to be channeling come June 2019.

"Just as they did in Russia, I want to do my best in next year's Women's World Cup in France to help our team win against the world's best teams," she told FIFA.com.

KFA Footballer of the Year
The INAC Kobe Leonessa attacker’s self-belief may be evident. However, Lee’s confidence is by no means blind. A product of the Yeungjin College team, she represented her country at the 2008 FIFA Women's U-17 World Cup New Zealand before going on to play at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Germany where they finished third. Her second FIFA tournament still remains a fond memory.

"We played against hosts Germany in the semi-finals and there were big home crowds supporting them. It was a crucial game for us but we didn't perform to our best. I would certainly play better if I were to have another chance. But we bounced back to defeat Colombia in the third-place play-off.

“It remains the best-ever result at a FIFA competition from any of our national teams."

All players dream of appearing at a World Cup. This is one of the reasons why we play. Now I am close to realising my dream

Those early global experiences proved a launching pad as her displays at Germany 2011 didn't go unnoticed, with local giants Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels signing her up in 2012.

The next five seasons saw Lee thrive on the domestic scene, scoring 33 goals from 140 appearances as she emerged as one of the K-League's hottest prospects. Notably, she clocked up a remarkable 14 goals plus ten assists this year, a showing which saw her awarded the 2017 KFA Footballer of the Year awards.

Women's World Cup dreams
Despite her eye-catching performances at club level, Lee didn't make into the national squad for the past FIFA Women's World Cupâ„¢. But the disappointment of missing Canada 2015 only served as motivation for her to grow further.

"I was really sad at the fact that I couldn't go to my first Women's World Cup," she explained. "I kept asking myself 'why was I not selected'. The only reason was that I was not experienced enough then and I needed to work harder to progress further. I still think I should be developing more, becoming a better player than I am today.

“My aims are not just to score goals and provide assists but playing as a part of the team. What I am trying to do is to make me a better player and help with the development of our game.”

Lee has truly established her place with Taegeuk Ladies now, a point borne out when she scored three in the 2018 AFC Asian Cup, which not only helped her team seal France 2019 qualification but also saw her finish as the team's joint-top-scorer. Her 30-yard lob against Vietnam shows what she has in her locker.

With her maiden Women’s World Cup beckoning, Lee couldn’t conceal her excitement at showcasing what she is capable of in front of the watching world. “All players dream of appearing at a World Cup. This is one of the reasons why we play. Now I am close to realising my dream. I am really looking forward to France 2019.”