(CNN) — Colombia produced one of the most dramatic upsets of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, scoring at the last minute to beat two-time world champions Germany 2-1 on Sunday.
The Colombian team, which was a finalist in the last Copa América and in which Linda Caicedo was chosen the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, faced Germany after previously beating South Korea 2-0 on the first date.
The South American team looked as though it had been denied a huge victory after Alexandra Popp equalized for Germany from the penalty spot in the 89th minute, overshadowing sensational Linda Caicedo’s (18-year-old) first goal at the start of the second half. half.
But, in the dying seconds, Manuela Vanegas scored with a brilliant header from a corner kick to spark the collective enthusiasm inside the Sydney Football Stadium.
With one day to go, Colombia leads Group H. Germany occupies the second box ahead of Morocco on goal difference.
Colombia’s players celebrate after Colombian midfielder #02 Manuela Vanegas scored her team’s second goal at the Sydney Soccer Stadium on July 30, 2023. Credit: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
The game-winning goal, which officially came in the 97th minute, secured Colombia its biggest victory to date and handed Germany its first World Cup group stage defeat since 1995.
The world No. 25 team was not the favorite ahead of the game against Germany, which qualified for the World Cup being second in the ranking and considered one of the strongest before the tournament.
But, as has often been the case at this year’s World Cup, the less experienced teams have performed much better than expected and Colombia prevented Germany from asserting their authority.
Caicedo impresses again
Caicedo’s first goal will also be remembered as one of the best goals scored in the Women’s World Cup.
Remaja tersebut merupakan salah satu bintang besar turnamen tahun ini dan kembali menghasilkan momen spektakuler di panggung terbesar.
Pemain muda Real Madrid itu mengumpulkan bola di kotak penalty Jerman sebelum menghindari dua pemain bertahan dan mencetak gol di sudut gawang pada menit ke-52.
Linda Caicedo dari Kolombia merayakan setelah mencetak gol pertama timnya pada 30 July 2023 in Sydney, Australia. Credit: Gambar Cameron Spencer/Getty
Caicedo telah membuat sejarah dengan mencetak gol di tiga turnamen Piala Dunia terpisah tahun ini – dia bersinar di edisi U-17 dan U-20.
Momen ajaibnya dalam pertandingan hari Minggu terjadi setelah insiden yang meresahkan pada hari Kamis di mana ia tampak pingsan selama sesi latihan. Pelatih Nelson Abadia mengatakan pada hari Sabtu bahwa sang pemain hanya “lelah”.
“Dia juga sedikit stres, karena dia memainkan Piala Dunia pertamanya… (yang) memiliki relevansi yang besar,” kata Abadia, menuut Reuters.
“Dia berumur 18 tahun. Dia seorang gadis ketika he datang ke sepak bola. Tapi dia memiliki kapasitas yang besar dan karakter yang hebat untuk mengasimilasi semua itu”.
Tidak ada tanda-tanda kelelahan pada hari Minggu saat anak muda itu menunjukkan kelasnya untuk menginspirasi timnya meraih kemenangan yang tak terlupakan – dia juga dinobatkan sebagai Player of the Match.
