Australia and Colombia created another shock at the 2023 Women's World Cup by defeating Germany 2-1 in their second match of Group H on the afternoon of July 30.
* Scored: Popp 89' penalty – Caicedo 52', Vanegas 90'+7.
Prior to the match, Germany had never faced a South American opponent in the Women's World Cup, with a record of four wins, one draw, 28 goals scored and only five conceded. They were also experiencing their longest unbeaten streak in the group stage of the tournament since 1995: 20 matches (16 wins and four draws).
However, on the Sydney pitch, history reversed. Germany controlled 68% of the ball possession, while Colombia proved dangerous with their tight defensive play, willingness to play aggressively, and high-speed counter-attacks thanks to the trio of Linda Caicedo, Catalina Usme, and Mayra Ramirez.
Vanegas (number 2) celebrates the winning goal that secured a 2-1 victory for Colombia against Germany in their second matchday of Group H at the 2023 Women's World Cup. Photo: Sky Sports.
After a goalless first half, Colombia unexpectedly opened the scoring in the 52nd minute thanks to a moment of individual brilliance from Linda Caicedo. From the left wing, the 18-year-old striker beat Svenja Huth and curled a shot into the top corner of the net. This was the Real Madrid striker's second goal of the tournament and Germany's first conceded goal. Caicedo was thought to be unable to participate in this match after collapsing in training two days prior.
In their attempts to push forward and find an equalizer, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg's team encountered a fierce defensive response from Colombia. It wasn't until the 88th minute that Germany finally scored. Following a central midfield combination, Lena Oberdorf broke through, skillfully maneuvering the ball and causing goalkeeper Catalina Perez to commit a foul, earning a penalty. From the penalty spot, captain Alexandra Popp struck the ball straight down the middle to level the score at 1-1.
A draw wasn't enough to satisfy Germany's ambitions, and they continued to press forward. But this proved costly. In the sixth minute of added time, Colombia counter-attacked and earned a corner on the right wing. Leicy Santos delivered a cross for Manuela Vanegas to leap high and head the ball past goalkeeper Merle Frohms, giving him no chance to save.
There wasn't enough time left for Germany to salvage a point, and they accepted a 1-2 defeat. This was another surprise of the tournament after the Philippines beat New Zealand, indirectly making their opponents the first host nation to be eliminated from the group stage of the Women's World Cup.
Colombia has moved to the top of Group H with six points, while Germany has three points, level with Morocco but second due to a better goal difference. South Korea has yet to earn any points. Therefore, the situation in Group H is still undecided. In the final round, Colombia could still be eliminated if they lose heavily to Morocco, while Germany wins against South Korea. South Korea could still advance if they beat Germany by a significant margin, while Morocco loses to Colombia.
Starting lineup
Germany: Merle Frohms, Chantal Hagel, Kathrin Hendrich, Svenja Huth, Sara Doorsoun, Lena Oberdorf, Sara Daebritz, Klara Buehl, Lina Magull, Jule Brand, Alexandra Popp
Colombia: Catalina Perez, Manuela Vanegas, Daniela Arias, Carolina Arias, Jorelyn Carabali, Lorena Durango, Daniela Montoya, Lady Andrade, Linda Caicedo, Mayra Ramirez, Catalina Usme.
Hieu Luong
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