Colombia qualified, for the first time in its history, for the quarter-finals of a Women’s World Cup, after its narrow success against Jamaica (1-0), Tuesday in Melbourne.
The “Cafeteras”, who are participating in their third World Cup, will face England, reigning European champions, for a place in the last four next Saturday in Brisbane.
Spectacular since the start of the competition, the 25th nation in the world has evolved in a more measured register against the strong Jamaicans, who had not conceded a single goal until then.
Captain Catalina Usme unlocked the meeting, harsh and balanced, with a recovery full of lucidity (51st), on an opening by Ana Guzman.
Jamaica pushed to equalize, but Jody Brown’s header, following a scramble in front of Catalina Perez’s goal, hit the post (53rd).
That of Drew Spence is, it, passed a few centimeters from the cage (82nd). Colombian Leicy Santos also sent the break point to the post (86th).
The “Reggae Girlz”, who are playing their first knockout phase in two appearances, leave the competition with their heads held high. They had achieved a feat by eliminating Brazil in their group.
Colombia faced England at the 2015 World Cup, losing 2-1. The English, who qualified on penalties against Nigeria on Monday (0-0, 4-2 on pens), start as favorites but will do without their suspended striker Lauren James.
