Colombia scored two first-half goals to sink South Korea 2-0 in their opening Group H fixture of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup at Allianz Stadium on Tuesday.
After a strong start into the first half, Colombia took a deserved lead in the 30th minute when Catalina Usme found the back of the net from the penalty spot before Linda Caicedo drilled home the second in the 39th minute. It was Colombia, who looked better from the opening exchanges and in the 12th minute, they missed a chance to go ahead when Catalina’s powerful effort rattled the woodwork before bouncing out.
In the 23rd minute, Catalina combined well with Lorena Bedoya before releasing the unmarked Mayra Ramirez but her weak effort from the right foot could not trouble goalkeeper Yoon Young-geul.
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However, Colombia’s persistent attacks paid off in 15 minutes to the half-time break when they were awarded a penalty and up stepped Catalina, who sent Yoon Young-geul the wrong way. The goal gave Colombia more impetus to search for more and nine minutes later they doubled their lead when Caicedo found space inside South Korea’s dangerzone to slam the ball past Yoon Young-geul.
The victory pushed Colombia second on the table with three points, same as Germany, who are leading after their 6-0 victory against Morocco. Colombia will next face Germany at Allianz Stadium on Saturday while South Korea will come up against Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium.