Women's World Cup: Unique record could be set during Colombia vs South Korea

A new record could be set during the upcoming match featuring Colombia and South Korea.

On Monday, Colombia and South Korea will get their respective World Cup journeys underway, and the match is already generating plenty of buzz even before kick-off.

The two teams, who are in Group H alongside tournament heavyweights Germany and debutants Morocco, will likely be battling it out for second spot with Germany expected to top the group. And with Morocco suffering a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Germany in Monday's earlier game, both Colombia and South Korea have a great opportunity to get some much-needed points on the board ahead of both teams having to face Germany later in this competition.

So, what has created much of the buzz around the upcoming Colombia and South Korea clash? Here are three reasons why.

1. Colombian sensation Linda Caicedo's amazing story

At just 18 years old, Linda Caciedo has been through more than what many people experience in a lifetime - both professionally and personally. The Colombian starlet, who plays her club football for Real Madrid and made her professional debut in her native Colombia at just 14 years old, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer three years ago.

She was just 15. Fortunately, she's made a full recovery after undergoing surgery and treatment, and after making a splash at the 2022 Copa America Femenina where she was named the MVP, Caciedo will be eager to make her mark at her first ever World Cup at senior level.

Colombia will need her to do her very best, as they do face a likely uphill battle to secure a spot in the knockout rounds. However, if they can get off the mark against South Korea and do well against Morocco, they just may be able to have done enough to earn a coveted berth in the round of 16.

2. A South Korean phenom who can make history due to her age...

Caciedo isn't the only teenage starlet looking to light up this summer's World Cup. 16-year-old Casey Phair, who was born in the USA but qualified to play for South Korea through her mother, could become the youngest ever player to play at a Women's World Cup if she features in any capacity in Monday. Head coach Colin Bell has been quick to try to downplay any hype around the youngster, but there is a general feeling of excitement to see what the youngster can do and if she will have a chance to write her name in the history books.

3. ...and due to her unique background

In addition to potentially becoming the youngest ever player at a Women's World Cup tournament, Casey Phair's unique background has already helped her make history. With an American father and a South Korean mother, she's the first multi-racial player to feature for the South Korean national football team - both the men's as well as the women's at senior level.