Cancer survivor Linda Caicedo opens World Cup account as Colombia beat South Korea
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Linda Caicedo of Colombia celebrating after scoring a goal during the Women's World Cup match against South Korea.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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SYDNEY – Linda Caicedo was hailed as “from another planet” after the teenager scored in Colombia’s 2-0 win over South Korea on Tuesday to open their Women’s World Cup campaign.
The 18-year-old Real Madrid striker, who overcame cancer three years ago, was the beneficiary of a glaring goalkeeping error from a blunt South Korean side.
In bright Sydney sunshine, Catalina Usme scored a penalty for the South Americans on the half-hour mark before Caicedo got the second nine minutes later.
South Korea coach Colin Bell brought on United States-born attacker Casey Phair as they chased the game in the second half. At 16 years and 26 days, she made history as the youngest Women’s World Cup player, beating the previous record held by Nigerian striker Ifeanyi Chiejine (16 years and 34 days in 1999).
But it was all about Caicedo, and one of the best young attackers in women’s football has now scored at the Under-17 World Cup, the Under-20 World Cup and the biggest stage of all.
Assistant Angelo Marsiglia, standing in for Colombia coach Nelson Abadia – who was suspended for the game – called Caicedo “extraordinary” and said she “brings a lot of joy to everyone”.
“She has been growing extraordinarily and has a very mature level,” he said of the teenager.
“She did what she had to do and made the difference. She wants the ball, never hides, she’s from another planet, entirely unique.”
Colombia move onto three points in Group H with Germany, who thrashed Morocco 6-0 on Monday.
The South Koreans actually made the better start in front of just over 24,000 spectators. But Colombia, who have a reputation for being physical despite being known as “The Powerpuff Girls”, grew into the game and took the lead after their first proper attack.
Defender Shim Seo-yeon blocked a goalbound shot in the box with her hand and Usme stepped up to stroke the penalty into the net past a wrong-footed Yoon Young-geul.
Bell felt that the penalty was harsh and angrily wondered why there was no video assistant referee (VAR) review.
The goal spurred Colombia on and they soon led 2-0 thanks to a huge error by Yoon.
Tournament debutante Caicedo, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 15 but went on to make a full recovery, struck a shot from just outside the box.
It should have been a simple save for Yoon, but the ball squirmed excruciatingly through her hands and into the net.
“The ball was really well-struck, at speed, at distance, I don’t know where Seo-yeon would have had to put her arms,” Bell said.
“I just wondered why that (the penalty) was not reviewed... You go down (a goal), and then it’s very difficult against a very strong Colombia team.” AFP, REUTERS
