Soccer-South Korea call up US-born teenager Phair for Women's World Cup

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Women's International - Arnold Clark Cup - Belgium v South Korea - Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry, Britain - February 19, 2023 South Korea coach Colin Bell Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers/File Photo

(Reuters) - South Korea coach Colin Bell said it was his duty to protect 16-year-old Casey Phair from the glare of publicity after including the United States-born striker in his 23-player squad for the Women's World Cup.

Phair, who has an American father and South Korean mother, made the cut for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand when the squad was announced on Wednesday, becoming the first player of mixed heritage to be selected for a Korean World Cup squad.