Linda Caicedo, cancer survivor, scores in Colombia’s 2-0 win over South Korea

Cancer survivor Linda Caicedo scored on her Women’s World Cup debut as Colombia beat South Korea 2-0 on Tuesday.

The Real Madrid forward, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was 15, scored her country’s second goal of the match at the Sydney Football Stadium before running to the Colombia fans to celebrate.

An inspirational figure on and off the pitch, the 18-year-old Caicedo further enhanced his reputation as one of soccer’s rising stars with his goal and performance as Colombia got off to a winning start to the tournament.

Linda Caicedo of Colombia scores a goal vs. Korea Republic at 39′ | FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

In a moment for the history books for talented teens, 16-year-old Casey Phair became the youngest player in Women’s World Cup history when she came on as a second-half substitute for South Korea.

By then it was already too late.

The Colombians took the lead from a penalty in the 30th minute after Shim Seo-yeon saved a shot from Manuela Vanegas inside the area. Catalina Usme converted from the penalty spot, sending South Korean keeper Yoon Young-geul down the wrong path as she slotted her shot to the left of the net.

Caicedo’s goal came at the end of a run launched from midfield, which saw her slice down the left before firing from the edge of the box. Her effort looked too central to bother Yoon, but the goalkeeper misplaced and shot it into the net instead.

Lee Geum-min came close to recovering a goal for the Koreans late in the half, but was prevented by Catalina Perez’s flying save.

Colombia had a late chance to score a third, which would have allowed them to record their biggest win of the tournament, but a miscommunication between Usme and Vanegas meant a promising break came to nothing.

These were the last two teams to start their campaigns in Australia and New Zealand, and it was the 300th match in Women’s World Cup history.

The victory could be crucial for Colombia’s chances of advancing to the round of 16 after Germany made a statement of intent in Group H with a 6-0 win over Morocco on Monday.