Colombia Secure 2-0 Victory Against South Korea in Women's World Cup Opener

 Colombia Secure 2-0 Victory Against South Korea in Women's World Cup Opener

Colombia Secure 2-0 Victory Against South Korea(Image-Getty)

In their opening game of the Women's World Cup, Colombia clinched a 2-0 victory over South Korea, denying the Koreans what could have been only their second win in four appearances at the tournament.

Catalina Usme scored from a penalty kick in the 30th minute, taking advantage of a South Korean handball and outmaneuvering keeper Yoon Younggeul to slot the ball into the far corner.

Linda Caicedo, an 18-year-old forward for Real Madrid, doubled Colombia's lead nine minutes later with a powerful shot that Yoon managed to touch but couldn't keep out of the net, sparking jubilation among the yellow-clad Colombian fans at Sydney Football Stadium.

Caicedo expressed her joy, attributing the success to the collective effort of the team and emphasizing the significance of starting the World Cup on the right foot.

Korea's Casey Phair, an American-born teenager, made history as the youngest player to step onto the field in a Women's World Cup match, substituting in during the 78th minute, just 26 days after her 16th birthday.

Notably, Colombia played without their head coach Nelson Abadia, who was suspended by FIFA for their first two games due to an alleged infraction during the 2015 World Cup, the country's last appearance.

This match marked the 300th game in Women's World Cup history and concluded the opening round of group matches.

Korea came close to scoring just before halftime when Lee Guimmen's header from a terrific cross by Choe Yuri forced Colombian keeper Catalina Perez to make an impressive diving save.

Throughout the game, Colombia displayed dominance in possession, easily breaking through South Korea's defense. They had several chances to extend their lead in the dying minutes, but Caicedo hesitated too long after receiving a great cross from Mayra Ramirez.

The match attracted an attendance of 24,323, with enthusiastic fans drumming and tooting horns throughout the game.

Korea's British coach Colin Bell expressed admiration for the stadium's atmosphere and cherished the experience, despite the loss being less than ideal. He acknowledged the ups and downs in football, emphasizing the love for the sport.

Looking ahead, Colombia is set to face two-time champions Germany on Sunday, while South Korea will take on Morocco on the same day.