South Korea's Casey Phair becomes youngest player to feature at Women's World Cup

The youngster featured in a 2-0 defeat against Colombia

South Korean Casey Phair came on in the 78th minute in a 2-0 loss to Colombia, aged just 16 years and 26 days, making her the youngest-ever footballer to play in the Women's World Cup. She beat Nigerian Ifeanyi Chiejine’s record or playing in the 1999 World Cup aged at 16 years and 34 days.

The Group H clash in Sydney saw Colombia win the game 2-0. Colombia opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a penalty, after which the Colombians doubled their lead in the 39th minute.

Casey Phair became the first player of mixed heritage to play for South Korea as she was born in South Korea but currently lives in the United States.

Casey Phair was born in South Korea to an American father and a South Korean Mother, she shifted to the United States of America when she was only one month old. In the US, she plays for the Pingry School and trains in New Jersey.

Before being called up to the World Cup squad, she was a part of the U-17 South Korean women’s football team, she scored two goals against Tajikistan and three goals against Hong Kong to help her team qualify for the U-17 Women’s AFC Asian Cup.

 After announcing her selection, South Korea coach Colin Bell said it was his duty to protect the teenager from the glare of publicity.

South Korea face Morocco in their next clash on Sunday.

The youngest player to play at the Men’s World Cup is Norman Whiteside of Northern Ireland at 17 years of age.