Women’s World Cup: Colombia start with win over South Korea

Colombia have started their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over South Korea.

Catalina Usme opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Linda Caicedo doubled Colombia’s lead before half time.

The result means that Colombia move to second in Group H. A win over either Germany or Morocco will guarantee their place in the knockout rounds.

South Korea offered very little throughout the match but made history when Casey Phair came off the bench at the age of just 16 years and 26 days to become the youngest-ever player at a World Cup.

Two defensive errors were to blame for the Colombia goals. Usme placed her penalty into the bottom corner after Shim Seo-yeon blocked a shot with her arm.

Caicedo was then gifted a goal when she tried her luck from 20 yards and goalkeeper Yoon Young-geul fumbled the ball into the net.

At only 18, Caicedo became the second-youngest player to score at a Women’s World Cup behind Marta, who scored aged 17 in 2003.

South Korea now need to prepare for a must-win clash against Morocco on Sunday, before Colombia play Germany.

Cover Photo: Colombian flag, Cartagena, Colombia” by Niek van Son is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .