Cancer survivor, Real Madrid star and now a scorer in her debut at the Women’s World Cup. Linda Caicedo is an inspiring figure already at 18 years old.
His wide smile at the end of Colombia’s 2-0 win over South Korea on Tuesday lit up the Sydney soccer stadium almost as much as his skills on the pitch.
Having feared this moment would never come when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 15, she made the most of being on the biggest stage in women’s football.
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Colombia’s Linda Caicedo, left, celebrates after scoring her side’s second goal during the Women’s World Cup Group H soccer match between Colombia and South Korea at the Sydney Soccer Stadium in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
“It’s my first World Cup with the senior team and that’s why I have to enjoy this tournament,” said Caicedo. “No pressure. I know how young I am, everything I (still) have to learn, the experience I have to get.”
Caicedo speaks and plays with a maturity that goes beyond his adolescence.
As a child prodigy, she debuted in the senior team at just 14 years old. Then came the cancer diagnosis that put such a promising career in doubt.
Now here she was, lighting up the World Cup with a performance that justified her status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
“I’m just trying to enjoy this moment,” she said, careful not to overthink things or lose sight of the big picture. “A soccer player has to be focused.”
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Colombia’s Linda Caicedo, left, and South Korea’s JI So-yun vie for the ball during the Women’s World Cup Group H soccer match between Colombia and South Korea at the Soccer Stadium in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft))
South Korea was unable to contain Caicedo, whose speed and footwork consistently forced his opponents to retreat.
That was the case when he jumped from the halfway line in the first half before doubling Colombia’s lead and leaving the result beyond doubt.
Cutting from the left flank, she beat several Korean players before firing from the edge of the box. While her effort seemed too central to bother South Korea’s Yoon Young-geul, the goalkeeper misplaced herself and instead shot the ball into the net.
Caicedo certainly didn’t mind getting help as he ran to the Colombia fans to celebrate.
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Colombia’s Linda Caicedo celebrates after scoring her side’s second goal during the Women’s World Cup Group H soccer match between Colombia and South Korea at the Sydney Soccer Stadium in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
South Korea coach Colin Bell was less impressed with his team’s defensive marking.
“Obviously, Linda is a great talent, but we gave her too much space,” he said, adding that his defenders should have gone for firm but fair tackles. “We had the options to do that as well before the second goal. You can’t just follow a player. You need that physicality, but obviously Linda is capable and very strong one-on-one.”
Bell’s frustration was evident late in the game, but stopping a player of Caicedo’s qualities is easier said than done.
“This was a display of soccer and also a display of confidence. She brings joy to everyone,” Colombia assistant coach Mario Abadía said. “It’s great to see these players evolve and take ownership of a game like she did.”
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Colombia’s Catalina Usme, left, celebrates after scoring the first goal on a penalty kick during the Women’s World Cup Group H soccer match between Colombia and South Korea at the Sydney Soccer Stadium in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
In a moment for the history books of talented teenagers, 16-year-old Casey Phair became the youngest player in senior soccer 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 spot.
Caicedo’s goal gave the Colombians a greater margin.
Lee Geum-min came close to getting the goal back late in the half with a powerful header, but was saved by Catalina Pérez.
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From left, South Korea’s Lee Geum-min, Colombia’s Manuela Vanegas and South Korea’s Son Hwa-yeon vie for the ball during the Women’s World Cup Group H soccer match between Colombia and South Korea at Soccer Stadium in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
These were the last two teams to begin their campaigns in the tournament co-hosted by 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.
WHATS NEXT
Colombia and Germany meet on Sunday in Sydney, while South Korea and Morocco meet on the same day in Adelaide.
