SYDNEY — Catalina Usme and Linda Caicedo scored first-half goals and Colombia earned a 2-0 win over South Korea in Group H match at the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday.
The Philippines claimed their first win also on Tuesday as they stunned co-hosts New Zealand 1-0 thanks to a first-half Sarina Bolden header. It was the Philippines’ first victory at either a men’s or women’s World Cup and blows Group A wide open.
Usme scored on a penalty kick in the 30th minute after a South Korean handball, sending keeper Yoon Younggeul the wrong way before slotting the ball into the far corner.
Caicedo, an 18-year-old forward for Real Madrid, doubled Colombia’s lead nine minutes later, launching a high shot that Yoon got her hands on, but without the power to send it over the bar. The ball squirted into the net, to the delight of the yellow-clad Colombian fans at Sydney Football Stadium.
“Well, I am extremely happy, but this has to do with the collective work of everyone,” Caicedo said on her first World Cup goal.
Colombia will face two-time champions Germany on Sunday. The Germans opened their campaign with a 6-0 rout of debutantes Morocco on Monday. South Korea will take on Morocco on Sunday.
“The feeling the group had going onto the pitch we were a bit anxious, we wanted the World Cup to start, and we wanted to start off on the right foot, this was something crucial. I’m very happy for the goal and the victory,” Caicedo added.
Korea’s American-born teenager Casey Phair became the youngest player to take the field in Women’s World Cup history, subbing on in the 78th minute, just 26 days after her 16th birthday.
Colombia was without their head coach Nelson Abadia, who was suspended by FIFA through his team’s first two games, reportedly for an infraction at the 2015 World Cup, Colombia’s last appearance.
It was the final game of the opening round of group matches and the 300th match in Women’s World Cup history.
Korea nearly pulled one back just before halftime when Lee Guimmen’s close-range header off a terrific cross from Choe Yuri forced keeper Catalina Perez to make a diving save.
But Colombia, who reached the round of 16 at the 2015 World Cup, dominated possession, slicing through South Korea’s defence with ease. They threatened to pad their lead with several in the dying minutes when Mayra Ramirez sent a great cross to a wide open Caicedo, who hesitated too long.
Tuesday’s attendance was 24,323 with fans banging drums and tooting horns all game long.
“It’s a magnificent stadium, that atmosphere it’s close, it’s tight to the pitch, it’s what every player wants, what every fan wants, and so many people came and watched us today,” said Korea’s British coach Colin Bell. “When you lose it’s not so nice but I’ll treasure this moment for the rest of my life, my first World Cup match.
“You’re up, you’re down, you’re up, you’re down, that’s football. We love it.”
Germany 6, Morocco 0
Morocco’s hopes of a dream Women’s World Cup debut descended into a disappointment as the Atlas Lionesses were defeated 6-0 by two-time champions Germany.
The Atlas Lionesses were humbled by the world football giants, with skipper Alexandra Popp bagging a brace.
Germany wasted no time asserting their dominance when Popp powered home a header from Kathrin Hendrich’s pinpoint cross after just 11 minutes.
On the cusp of half-time, Popp doubled the lead by glancing in Klara Buhl’s inviting corner to highlight her aerial threat.
Straight after the restart, Buhl turned from provider to scorer by pouncing on the rebound after causing chaos with another dangerous cross.
Morocco’s misery was compounded by two scruffy own goals as Germany refused to ease up, before Lea Schuller completed the rout late on.
The heavy defeat leaves the tournament debutants facing an uphill task to progress from Group H after this chastening introduction to the global stage.
Germany’s quest for a first World Cup since 2007 is off to a flying start as they immediately seize the initiative in the section.
The ruthless result serves notice of their intent at these finals after dispatching African opposition once again, having also defeated South Africa and Nigeria at France 2019.
Brazil 4, Panama 0
Brazil’s Ary Borges said she went through the full gamut of emotions during her Women’s World Cup debut in 4-0 win over Panama, adding that she was as surprised as anyone to score a hat-trick in her first game at the showpiece event.
Borges fired three goals past Panama and set up another with a brilliant back-heel flick to get Brazil off to a winning start.
The 23-year-old, who plays for National Women’s Soccer League club Racing Louisville, called it “one of the happiest days” of her life.
“I couldn’t have imagined this in my wildest dream,” Borges, who could not hold back the tears after her first goal, told reporters after the win.
“The debut in the World Cup in itself was a very special moment for me, just to be here. It’s very special to be able to score three goals in a World Cup in my first game, but this is just the beginning of a long walk that we have ahead of us.
“The day was full of emotions. I think I had all the highs and lows that a human being can have. I was very happy. I was very nervous. I cried. I smiled… If anybody told me beforehand that I was going to score three goals on my debut I would have laughed in their faces.”
With her three goals, Borges became the fourth player to score a hat-trick in a Women’s World Cup game for Brazil after Pretinha, Cristiane and Sissi, and the first to do it on her debut.
“I’m very happy to be part of this select group of players who have managed to score three goals in the World Cup…,” Borges said.
“If I’m here today it’s because these women have fought a lot for football in our country. So this is a very special moment to be able to be part of this, to be living this moment. It’s a very nice story that I will be able to tell my family.”
Borges was named Player of the Match for her incredible performance, receiving the trophy from Brazilian veteran Marta, who is playing in her sixth Women’s World Cup and has scored a record 17 goals in the tournament.
Borges said she had asked to be awarded the trophy by Marta, adding: “Sometimes she doesn’t even realise how much we admire her.
“She is truly a person that motivates us. So sharing this moment with her is very special for me. I admire her a lot.”
