The match
The last of the first round of group matches, this meeting in Sydney could be a key contest in Group H, which looks to be a tight battle for second place between Colombia, Korea Republic and Morocco, behind clear group favourites Germany.
Both teams arrived in Australia and New Zealand believing that they were capable of springing a surprise in this tournament. Neither has ever reached the quarter-finals before – both fell in the first knockout round at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™.
And that is not the only connection between the two teams – both qualified for this tournament as runners-up in their continental championships – the Koreans in the 2022 AFC Asian Cup, and the Colombians in the 2022 Copa America Femenina. This parity will be put to the test on the field in Sydney.
Team news
English coach Colin Bell took on the challenge of building the Koreans’ competitiveness when he accepted the job in 2019: “Korean players possess excellent technique, but we have to play with greater intensity to compete against the best teams in the world.” In part, this is why his tactical systems change according to the opponent. Nobody knows what his strategy will be against Colombia, but what we do know is that he will want his side to show that intensity against their opponents’ footballing ability.
Meanwhile, the tournament looks to have arrived at just the right time for Nelson Abadia’s Colombia, with confidence on the increase, an ideal mix of youth and experience, and a top-class figurehead in Linda Caicedo. This is the Real Madrid star’s first opportunity to shine on the global stage, and she does not intend to pass it up.
Players to watch
Linda Caicedo A player who looks capable of anything while carrying the ball at pace, she was the breakout sensation of both the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup and the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup in 2022. Now, aged just 18, she wants to show the world her talent and especially her dribbling. Abadia will hope to surround her with experience that allows his star to shine.
Ji Soyun Although she is still only 32, she is a bona fide legend of Korean football. With 66 goals in 144 caps, she is without doubt her country’s greatest ever female player, and is one of the main reasons why Korea Republic are here at their third consecutive World Cup.
Facts and figures
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After reaching the first knockout round in Canada 2015 with an impressive victory over Spain, Korea Republic suffered three defeats in the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™, conceding eight goals and scoring just one.
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Linda Caicedo will be playing in her third World Cup in less than a year. In August 2022 she played in the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup in Costa Rica, and then, in October, in the U-17 version in India. Now she takes the biggest stage of all.
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Colombia have scored only three goals in their seven games so far at two Women’s World Cups. And all three scorers – Lady Andrade, Daniela Montoya and Catalina Usme – are in the squad for this tournament.
Quotes
“We’ve been watching videos of Korea’s games, and were told to focus on the No10 (Ji Soyun), so we’ve got to take good care of her, she’s their main weapon. We need to keep up the pressure, rotating if possible, but more than anything we have to focus on ourselves and our own job. We’re ready for anything.” Marcela Restrepo, Colombia defender
“Colombia are a very aggressive, very physical side, but they’re also very balanced. They have Linda Caicedo, of course, and she’s a massive player for them, a real talent and known all over the world. The important thing is to win this first game. After that, we’ll see.” Colin Bell, Korea Republic coach
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