Casey Phair broke the record for the youngest player in the FIFA World Cup.

Colombia made the perfect start to their 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup with a victory over South Korea in Sydney.

The South Americans were ahead from the penalty spot, before 18-year-old Linda Sicado doubled the lead thanks to a mistake by the Korean keeper. This was possible due to a good strategy.

 

It was enough to give Colombia their second win of the tournament. For South Korea, history was made as Cassie Phair became the youngest ever player at the Women's World Cup.

 

Casey Phair broke the record for the youngest player in the FIFA World Cup.

The forward, aged just 16 years and 26 days, was introduced as a 77th-minute substitute. The Asian nation, who have now lost their opening four Women's World Cup matches, next face Morocco in a must-win group on July 30. Before the H match, Colombia vs. Germany.

It could have been Colombia's World Cup - they hosted the 2023 tournament and lost only to Australia and New Zealand.

 

The Sydney Football Stadium had a large number of fans, the majority of the 24,323 crowd.

 

South Korea did their best to make Colombia comfortable, taking a two-goal lead in the first half thanks to defensive mistakes.

 

On 28 minutes, an unusual run of play with several deflections and fist shots came to an end when Shim Seo-yeon blocked an attempt on goal with his arm.

 

Usme quietly headed home, resulting in a spot-kick, sparking wild celebrations among the yellow-shirted fans.

 

The worst was yet to come for South Korea, as Caesido doubled Colombia's lead in a terrifying moment for keeper Yoon.

 

Allowed plenty of time and space for Real Madrid winger Cacido to run into the defense down the left, he cut inside and his curling effort should have been saved but Yoon mistimed his jump and the ball went wide. She went to him. It slipped off the glove and into the net.

 

Yet Caicedo's drive, skill and vision showed why, at just 18, he is one of the tournament's hottest young stars. Her goal made her the second-youngest player to score at the Women's World Cup, behind Brazil's Marta, who did so at the age of 17 in 2003. Colombia came close to extending their lead after half-time when Moira Ramirez headed just wide. The victory boosted their chances of qualifying from Group H, moving them level on points with favorites Germany.