The 6th day of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 continued on Monday with a Group H match between Columbia and South Korea at Sydney Football stadium in Australia. On the very first match of the day, Catalina Usme and Linda Caicedo scored each to give Colombia a 2-0 win over South Korea.
Both sides started off strong in this match, but Colombia scored first due to a penalty shot by Catalina Usme. The 33-year-old striker leads Colombia in goals scored throughout its history.
The last minutes of the first half saw Linda Caicedo score her maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup goal and extend Colombia’s lead.
It was also the final game of the opening round of group matches and the 300th match in Women’s World Cup history. The attendance for Colombia vs South Korea match was 24,323 with fans banging drums and tooting horns all game long.
A huge victory for @FCFSeleccionCol in Group H! 🇨🇴#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 25, 2023
Earlier, Colombia won their opening match of the tournament 2-0 against South Korea, with 18-year-old cancer survivor Linda Caceido scoring, while 16-year-old Casey Phair became the youngest World Cup player of all time.
“Well, I am extremely happy, but this has to do with the collective work of everyone,” Caicedo said on her first World Cup goal.
“The feeling the group had going onto the pitch we were a bit anxious, we wanted the World Cup to start, and we wanted to start off on the right foot, this was something crucial.
“Very happy for the goal and the victory.”
🇨🇴 @Linda__Caicedo makes her entrance on the #FIFAWWC stage! pic.twitter.com/4IdkkVs2DQ
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 25, 2023
16-year-old Casey Phair comes on for South Korea vs. Colombia and becomes the youngest player to ever play in a World Cup. After subbing on in 78′ against Colombia, South Korea’s Casey Phair—a mixed-heritage striker from New Jersey—became the youngest player ever to play in a World Cup at 16 years and 26 days of age.
🆕 record alert! 🇰🇷@TheKFA‘s Casey Phair is the youngest ever player to make a #FIFAWWC appearance (16 years 26 days).
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 25, 2023
After losing South Korea’s British coach said “It’s a magnificent stadium, that atmosphere it’s close, it’s tight to the pitch, it’s what every player wants, what every fan wants, and so many people came and watched us today,” said Korea’s British coach Colin Bell. “When you lose it’s not so nice but I’ll treasure this moment for the rest of my life, my first World Cup match.
“You’re up, you’re down, you’re up, you’re down, that’s football. We love it.”
Colombia vs South Korea Final Score
| Team | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final Score |
| Colombia | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| South Korea | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goals:
Colombia : Catalina Usme : 31′ (p)
Colombia : Linda Caicedo : 39′
31: Penalty kick
Catalina Usme’s successful penalty kick gave Colombia the advantage to start the game.
39′: Second and final goal of the match
When a strong shot from Linda Caicedo bounced off the palms of the South Korean goalkeeper and into the net rather than being saved, Colombia moved up 2-0.
Next Match
Colombia will face two-time World Cup Champions Germany on Jully 30, Sunday. Germany too have won their opening game against debutants Morocco with a 6-0 win on Monday. On the other hand, South Korea will Morocco on July 31.
Here are some key takeaways from the match:
- Colombia’s midfield was the difference maker. The Colombians controlled possession for most of the match and created several scoring opportunities.
- South Korea’s defense was a liability. The South Koreans made several mistakes in the back, which allowed Colombia to score two goals. South Korea will need to improve their defense if they want to be successful in the rest of the tournament.
- Colombia’s win is a major upset. The Colombians were the clear underdogs, but they played with a lot of heart and determination. This win will give Colombia a lot of confidence going into the rest of the tournament