Linda Caicedo injured in Colombia's Olympics soccer quarterfinal match against Spain

Colombia’s Linda Caicedo, right, and Spain’s Ona Batlle battle for the ball during the women’s quarter-final soccer match between Spain and Colombia, at Lyon Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Decines, France. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

By JAMES ROBSON

Colombia star Linda Caicedo was substituted after sustaining an injury in her country’s Olympic women’s soccer quarterfinals match against Spain on Saturday.

Caicedo pulled up unchallenged in the 62nd minute at Stade de Lyon, fell to the ground and held her right calf. She was in visible pain as she received treatment from medical staff for around four minutes and was eventually carried away on a stretcher.

Caicedo, who plays club soccer for Real Madrid, is one of the highest-profile players in the women’s game and was a standout performer at last year’s Women’s World Cup.

Her injury proved costly for Colombia, which led 2-0 against world champion Spain when she was carried off. The game went to extra time after goals from Jenni Hermoso and Irene Paredes, and Spain went on to win 4-2 on penalties.

There were concerns about Caicedo’s health at the World Cup after she was seen holding her chest and going to the ground during training.

The 19-year-old forward has become a top player after recovering from ovarian cancer at age 15.

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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

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Linda Caicedo injured in Colombia’s Olympics soccer quarterfinal match against Spain

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