Cancer survivor Linda Caicedo scored on her debut at the Women’s World Cup as Colombia beat South Korea 2-0 on Tuesday.

The Real Madrid forward, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 15, fired in her country’s second goal of the match at Sydney Football Stadium before racing toward Colombia’s fans in celebration.

The 18-year-old Caicedo, who is an inspirational figure on and off the field, further enhanced her reputation as one of football's rising stars with her goal and performance as Colombia made a winning start to the tournament.

In a moment for the history books for talented teens, 16-year-old Casey Phair became the youngest-ever player in the Women’s World Cup when she went on as a second-half substitute for South Korea. By then, it was too late.

Colombia had a late chance to score a third, which would have seen it record its biggest ever win at the tournament, but miscommunication between Usme and Vanegas meant a promising break came to nothing. These were the last two teams to begin their campaigns in Australia and New Zealand, and it was the 300th game in Women’s World Cup history.