Colombia’s teenage striker Linda Caicedo is in good health after collapsing during training, according to coach Nelson Abadia. Abadia stated that the incident was partly due to the pressure of playing in her first Women’s World Cup. Despite the scare, Caicedo is expected to play in the upcoming match against Germany. During training, Caicedo stopped, placed a hand on her chest, and lay down on the pitch while receiving assistance from teammates and medical staff.
Abadia dismissed the incident as just a momentary episode caused by fatigue and stress. He acknowledged the significance of playing in a World Cup, especially for an 18-year-old player like Caicedo. However, Abadia praised her capacity and character to handle the pressure, describing her as a rising star in the world of football. He expressed relief that the incident was over and emphasized that there were no lingering problems.
Caicedo made history by becoming the youngest player to score in this World Cup. In Colombia’s victory over South Korea, she scored a goal from the edge of the box after darting in from the midfield. Assistant coach Mario Abadia, who is Nelson Abadia’s son, described Caicedo as an exceptional player, saying she is “from another planet.” Caicedo has already participated in three World Cups this year, representing the U17, U20, and senior teams. Her football journey began at the age of 14, and she even battled ovarian cancer at the age of 15.
Nelson Abadia will not be present on the sidelines for Colombia’s match against Germany due to a FIFA suspension. He received a red card during the 2022 Copa America tournament, resulting in a two-game suspension. Despite his absence, Abadia expressed his unwavering belief in the team’s capabilities and stated that he is confident in their performance. He jokingly mentioned that he could watch the game on TV and still feel the same level of emotion and conviction as if he were on the field.
Colombia and Germany currently share the top spot in Group H, each with three points. In their final group game, Colombia will face Morocco, who suffered a 6-0 defeat against Germany. The match will take place on August 3rd in Perth.
Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Lincoln Feast.
