Caicedo shines as Colombia triumphs over Korea Republic 2-0 in Women's World Cup
Linda Caicedo of Colombia answers questions from the media Credit: Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
A historic goal for Linda Caicedo, who became the first teenager to score at the 2023 Australia & New Zealand World Cup, led Colombia to a convincing 2-0 victory over the Korea Republic in the Women's World Cup Group H clash.
The Colombian team, guided from the touchline by Angelo Marsiglia, former youth coach of Caicedo in the absence of the suspended coach Nelson Abadia, climbed to share the top spot in the group with Germany, demonstrating an exceptional performance in a sunny afternoon at the Sydney Football Stadium.
A cautious and stop-start beginning to the match was broken at the half-hour mark when Catalina Usme netted the opener from the penalty spot, confidently deceiving goalkeeper Yoon Younggeul.
The goal marked the fifth successful penalty out of nine in the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Nine minutes following Usme's breakthrough, Caicedo embarked on a spectacular sprint down the left wing and saw her long-range shot elude the grasp of Yoon, doubling Colombia's advantage.
The Colombians maintained control in the second half, continuously pressuring the Korea Republic's defense.
As the match neared its conclusion, another historic moment unfolded. Casey Phair entered the game, becoming the youngest-ever player in a Women's World Cup at just 16 years and 26 days.
Post-match, Korea Republic's coach and former Ireland boss Colin Bell acknowledged Colombia's superiority in various aspects.
"In various departments Colombia were the better team, stronger team, so we have to learn from that. The speed of thought, the aggression, but it’s that decision-making in pressured situations and that’s where we have to step up as a nation," Bell commented.
This victory represents Colombia's second-ever win in the Women's World Cup.
Colombia Women: Catalina Perez; Daniela Arias, Carolina Arias Vidal, Jorelyn Carabali, Manuela Vanegas; Lorena Bedoya Durango, Linda Caicedo, Daniela Montoya (Diana Ospina 87), Mayra Ramirez, Leicy Santos (Marcela Restrepo 76); Catalina Usme.
Subs not used: Sandra Sepulveda, Natalia Giraldo, Daniela Caracas, Ana Guzmán, Ángela Barón, Monica Ramos, Lady Andrade, María Camila Reyes, Elexa Bahr, Ivonne Chacon.
Booked: Manuela Vanegas (10), Carolina Arias Vidal (45).
South Korea Women: Yoon Younggeul; Kim Hye-ri, Lim Seonjoo, Shim Seoyeon; Hyojoo Choo (Mira Moon 87), Lee Geummin, Jang Sel-gi, Cho So-hyun (Eunsun Park 68), Ji So-yun; Yuri Choe (Casey Phair 78), Son Hwa-yeon (Kang Chae-rim 68).
Subs not used: Kim Jungmi, Jisu Ryu, Hyeji Hong, Yiben Bae, Young-Ju Lee, Yunji Kim, Garam Chun, Eunha Jeon.
Booked: Shim Seoyeon (29), Lim Seonjoo (45).
Referee: Rebecca Welch
Attendance: 24,323
extratime.com Player of the Match: Linda Caicedo
