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Linda Caicedo was a stellar figure in Colombia's 2-0 victory over South Korea in the Women's World Cup on Monday. The 18-year-old scored one of the winning goals, set a couple of historic records and became an inspirational tale by fulfilling her biggest dreams after surviving cancer.
Colombia's hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 needed a gleaming performance in their opening game of the tournament. And the penalty bagged by Catalina Usme at the half-hour mark was the perfect start to their journey.
COOL, CALM, AND COLLECTED
Catalina Usme scores Colombia's first goal at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup! pic.twitter.com/EtFcEC2W61— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 25, 2023
Linda Caicedo goal vs South Korea
Linda Caicedo's moment of glory came nine minutes later.
The Real Madrid winger received the ball in the midfield and started slaloming past opponents, showcasing why some called her the 'Colombian Neymar.' Then, she leaned to her right, shot and scored.
LINDA CAICEDO ALL BY HERSELF pic.twitter.com/jeGNQwvZDn
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 25, 2023
Sure, South Korean goalkeeper Yoon Younggeul helped quite a bit with her weak hands, but hey! A goal is a goal.
Caicedo became the second youngest Latin American player to score in a World Cup, at 18 years and 153 days, only behind the legendary Brazilian Marta, who did it at 17 in the 2003 WC.
What's most impressive is that the Colombian became the first player to score in three different World Cups in only 11 months. How's that? Well, she did it at the 2022 U-17 WC in India, the 2022 U-20 WC in Costa Rica and now in the 2023 WC in Australia and New Zealand.
18-year-old Linda Caicedo has really scored at three World Cups in a single year.
Incredible pic.twitter.com/KkfIvSoP61— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 25, 2023
Not bad for a teenager who, in 2015, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and thought that her career was over.
Life has many twists and turns; some of them are very happy.
