In a dramatic Women’s World Cup match on Sunday at Sydney Football Stadium, Manuela Vanegas scored a stoppage-time goal to give Colombia a 2-1 upset victory against Germany.
Germany, the defending champions, had just thought they had rescued a point eight minutes after striker, Alexandra Popp had converted a penalty to level after a sensational goal by Colombian youngster Linda Caicedo.
Caicedo, who on Thursday gave her squad a scare by falling during practise, had delighted the throngs of her countrymen in the 40 499 spectators in the 52nd minute with a goal of the highest calibre.
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The Germans appeared startled not just by the Colombians’ aggressiveness but also by the deafening clamour of their yellow-shirted fans. The Colombians tore into the encounter from the kickoff.
In the ninth minute, Colombian forward Mayra Ramirez had an opportunity but headed it down and wide. The South Americans kept bugging the Germans with jabs to the ribs here and a flailing arm in a tackle there.
In their opening 6-0 thumping of Morocco, Germany’s main weapon was the corner, but Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez came out with assurance to gather the first ball swung in from the corner flag.
In the 21st minute, Germany’s Lina Magull had a nice opportunity, but her swing at the ball only made contact with the air, and Lena Oberdorf’s subsequent attempt was blocked.
Popp, who had two goals against the Moroccans, missed a close-range volley in the 42nd minute that would have increased her tournament total.
At every opportunity, Colombia continued to pass the ball up to their forward men, but they weren’t able to break the deadlock until seven minutes after the break.
The 18-year-old Caicedo picked up the ball on the left edge of the box, cut back between two players, and curled the ball into the top right corner while displaying no signs of the anxieties her coach claimed were to blame for her breakdown on Thursday.
The small youngster, who had already became the youngest player to score at this World Cup with a similar effort in the 2-0 opening victory over South Korea, erupted in celebration when she scored her second goal of the competition.
With two minutes remaining, Oberdorf was fouled in the area by Perez, and Popp stepped up to calmly slam the ball into the goal as Germany continued to blow opportunities they produced.
The 27th-ranked Colombians now need only a draw against Morocco in their final Group H match to be certain of reaching the last 16, while Germany are still likely to progress if they beat South Korea in their last fixture.