The heartwarming moment: The 18-year-old cancer survivor makes a stunning return to the field for Colombia at the Women’s World Cup, beating South Korea

Colombian teenager Linda Caicedo has scored on her debut against South Korea just three years after a devastating diagnosis of ovarian cancer threatened to ruin her career.

Goals from veteran Catalina Usme and young superstar Caicedo helped Colombia to a 2-0 win over South Korea in the Women’s World Cup match in Sydney.

But just a few years ago, the 18-year-old had to put her career on hold after receiving the shocking news that she was suffering from cancer.

“At the time I didn’t think I could play professionally again because of the many treatments and surgeries I had to go through,” she told FIFA.

“Mentally, it was a very difficult moment in my life. I am forever grateful that it happened when I was very young. I was able to recover, also had the support of my family and now I feel very good. What happened made me grow. “I am grateful and happy to be here.”

Linda Caicedo has scored on her debut against South Korea after overcoming the devastating diagnosis

Caicedo, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 15, thought her career was over

Caicedo, who also plays for Spanish giants Real Madrid, was convinced her budding professional career was over when she received an encouraging call from Colombia women’s team head coach Nelson Abadía.

“He said, ‘No, just relax … you’ll come back’.”

18-year-old Caicedo is now one of the best youngsters in the game and has scored at the World Cup.

South Korea had the game’s first three shots, but Colombia seemed to be the more consistently dangerous side after the first 20 minutes.

A well converted penalty in the 30th minute by 33-year-old Usme, Colombia’s all-time top scorer, gave the side the lead after a shot caught Shim Seoyeon’s arm.

Just nine minutes later, Caicedo doubled the lead.

The well-regarded youngster charged down the left flank and fired inside before unleashing a flick just outside the box that shot through the hands of goalkeeper Yoon Younggeui.

Caicedo constantly threatened the world No. 17 and was named player of the match.

Caicedo charged down the left flank and sliced ​​inside before firing home from just outside the box

Caicedo was named Player of the Match after her fairytale debut on Tuesday

South Korea’s best chance came in the tenth of nearly twelve minutes of first-half added time.

Lee Geummin had a free header from seven yards out but goalkeeper Catalina Perez made an excellent save.

Early on, Perez effortlessly saved shots on target from Cho Yuri and former Chelsea star Ji Soyun, the latter following a short free-kick that the star midfielder shot over the wall.

As the half progressed, Colombia looked more and more dangerous in the final third, taking control after hitting the lead.

Colombia had 17 shots to five but only two more on target, with the Asian side struggling to create chances in the second half and rarely finding the target.

South Korea’s Casey Phair became the youngest player in history at a Women’s World Cup when the 16-year-old came on as a 78th-minute substitute.