SYDNEY — Believe the hype. Linda Caicedo is for actual, and so are Colombia’s probabilities of going far on the Women’s World Cup.

As for the nation’s followers, who gave Sydney Football Stadium the texture of a Colombia dwelling sport on Sunday, their passionate help created a jubilant ambiance that lingered lengthy after a 2-1 win over two-time champion Germany supplied one of many match’s nice upsets.

“This is something historic for us. We’ve been feeling the whole time the backing from the fans from our country,” Colombia assistant coach Angelo Marsiglia mentioned. “Today we were playing as a home team.”

Caicedo produced one other second of magic to place Colombia on the right track for back-to-back wins in Group H along with her opening objective within the 52nd minute. She wanted remedy late in regulation however stayed on the sector and, 5 minutes later, Alexandra Popp equalized from the penalty spot.

That setback for Colombia within the 89th merely preceded a fair later twist when defender Manuela Vanegas headed in a winner in seventh minute of stoppage time.

Cue wild celebrations from Colombia, and appears of disbelief among the many German gamers.

PHOTOS: Late Vanegas objective seals Colombia's 2-1 upset win over Germany on the Women's World Cup.

Caicedo and her teammates definitely have had a dramatic marketing campaign.

The 18-year-old Real Madrid star had a well being scare earlier within the week when she dropped to the bottom, holding her chest in a observe session. Team officers mentioned it was fatigue, and he or she definitely gave the impression to be in full flight for her gorgeous second-half strike.

Cancer survivor Caicedo had already scored from distance within the 2-0 win towards South Korea on Tuesday. But whereas that objective concerned an error from goalkeeper Yoon Young-geul, on this event it was all about particular person brilliance.

Collecting the ball from simply inside the realm after a nook, she labored her manner into house by bewildering two German defenders in a fast-stepping transfer earlier than lashing a shot into the highest nook.

Caicedo, adopted by her teammates, charged towards the nook to get nearer to share the second with the elated crowd.

“Linda Caicedo is a fantastic player. We knew that before the World Cup,” Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg mentioned. “We wanted to be very attentive.

“It was a good goal. I have to admit that. But we definitely should be better. We should keep ball.”

Germany is unlikely to be the final workforce to get the Caicedo remedy in her debut World Cup, supplied she stays wholesome.

Just days after fighting fatigue at observe, Caicedo wanted medical remedy behind play within the 84th minute. She dropped to the bottom and, as she lay face down on the pitch, was checked by trainers because the referee stood close by. She bought up and began strolling to the bench however, after signaling she was okay, went again onto the sector and continued the sport.

Marsiglia later tried to allay considerations, explaining that {the teenager} had been exhausted however including that there was a “bit of acceleration” in her coronary heart.

While Caicedo has been her nation’s inspiration on the match, Vanegas’ late strike embodied the huge unfold of expertise within the workforce.

She rose to move in substitute Leicy Santos’ nook deep into time added on to maneuver Colombia to the highest of the group.

“This was a decisive match to qualify for the next round,” Marsiglia mentioned. “This is a great win for the whole country but the game and tournament still continues.”

Germany now should regroup, having gone so near salvaging a draw when Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez was penalized for bringing down Lena Oberdorf within the field.

Popp, who scored twice in her nation’s opening 6-0 rout of Morocco, fired straight down the center to degree the sport.

Germany has by no means didn't advance from the group stage of the World Cup and this was its first loss in a gaggle sport since 1995.

It remains to be anticipated to beat South Korea in its final sport of Group H, however will probably should accept second place, which might arrange a spherical of 16 match with France.

The runners-up eventually 12 months’s Euros ought to have been forward within the first half when Popp was responsible of lacking the goal with a with a volley from shut vary shortly earlier than the break.

Earlier Lina Magull had the possibility to check Perez from shut vary, however mis-kicked and the chance was wasted.

What’s subsequent

In the final of the group video games Thursday, Germany faces South Korea and Colombia performs Morocco, with three groups nonetheless capable of advance to the knockout stage.

Copyright © 2023 The Washington Times, LLC.

Content Source: www.washingtontimes.com