Women’s World Cup: Colombia beat South Korea 2-0

<p>Gifted teenager Linda Caicedo scored as Colombia beat a disappointing South Korea 2-0 to open their Women’s World Cup campaign on Tuesday.</p>, <p>The 18-year-old Real Madrid striker, who overcame cancer three years ago, was the beneficiary of a glaring goalkeeping error against a blunt South Korea.</p>, <p>One of the best young attackers in women’s football, Caicedo has now scored at the Under-17 World Cup, the Under-20 World Cup, and the biggest one of them all.</p>, <p>Catalina Usme had earlier scored a penalty for Nelson Abadia’s side, losing Copa America finalists to Brazil last year.</p>, <p>They move onto three points in Group H with Germany, who thrashed Morocco 6-0 on Monday. Germany and Colombia meet next.</p>, <p>South Korea coach Colin Bell brought on United States-born attacker Casey Phair near the end, and at 16 years and 26 days, she made history as the youngest Women’s World Cup player ever.</p>, <p>It was the lone bright spot for South Korea, who actually made a better start in the Sydney sunshine in front of just over 24,000.</p>, <p>A goalbound attempt from Tottenham Hotspur’s Cho So-hyun from outside the box deflected wide and then Choe Yu-ri should have scored but fired tamely at the goalkeeper.</p>, <p>Colombia have a reputation for being physical, and with strong backing from their noisy and colourful fans, so it proved.</p>, <p>Defender Manuela Vanegas was booked after only 10 minutes as they struggled to get a foothold.</p>, <p>Colombia, known as “the Powerpuff Girls” and making their third appearance at the World Cup, grew into the game and took the lead on the half-hour after their first proper attack.</p>, <p>Defender Shim Seo-yeon blocked a goalbound shot in the box with her hand and Usme stepped up to stroke the resulting penalty into the net past a wrong-footed Yoon Young-geul.</p>, <p>The goal spurred the South Americans on and they led 2-0 six minutes before half-time thanks to a huge error by Yoon.</p>, <p>Caicedo, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 15 but went on to mak