Columbia progressed to the quarter finals of the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup as they won Korea Republic 2-1.
The hosts’ star forward, Linda Caicedo settled the tight clash with a decisive second half strike.
The 19-year-old Real Madrid phenomenon, who have represented her nation at all levels, stepped up when her nation needed her. Her 64th minute goal sent Colombia through to the quarters.
The hosts were the better team and had the best of the early chances but could not score. Caicedo riflied an effort across the face of goal midway through the first half.
The hosts’ goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo also made a smart save to deny Jeon Yugyeong late in the first half to keep the score unbroken at the interval.
At the start of the secong interval, Korea had their moments, with Park Soojeong rippling the side netting.
They however paid for their misses as the South Americans broke the deadlock. Sintia Cabezas sent a delightful ball to Caicedo who, powered home past Woo Seobin to settle things.
The winner of the clash between France and the Netherlands are next up for the hosts.
The United States of America are through to the quarter finals after triumphing 3-2 victory over neighbours, Mexico.
Jordynn Dudley’s extra time strike delivered the dramatic victory for USA against Mexico in the round of 16.
Goals: Valerie Vargas (22), Montserrat Saldivar (39); Pietra Tordin (10), Ally Sentnor (27), Jordynn Dudley (97) Player of the Match: Ally Sentnor (USA)
USA twice had first half leads through Pietra Tordin and Ally Sentnor, only for Mexico to equalise each time. Valerie Vargas and Montserrat Saldivar drew level for Mexico to give a dramatic first half performance. before Dudley’s extra time strike held.
USA grabbed a 1-0 lead through Tordin, who redirected in a cross from Emeri Adames. It became 1-1 when Saldivar made a cut back pass for Vargas to fire home an excellent right-footed strike.
The Americans regained the lead with a blast from outside the box by Sentnor. But Mexico again responded with Saldivar sending a deflected shot to square things at 2-2.
USA kept pushing for a winner in the second half but failed and almost conceded. Alice Soto almost gave Mexico the lead as her ball hit the crossbar in stoppage time.
The teams went to extra time and USA settle the clash in the 97th minute. Dudley, who took a pass from Yuna McCormack, beat Mexico goalkeeper Renatta Cota to make it 3-2.
USA almost made it two in extra time after been awarded a penalty. However, substitute goalkeeper, Mariangela Medina, denied Riley Jackson from the penalty to reduce the deficit.
The Americans will therefore face the winner from the game between Germany and Argentina.
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