Colombia left it late to a claim a historic 2-1 win over Germany.
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Linda Caicedo fires home stunning opener
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Alexandra Popp equalises from the spot
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Perez header wins it late for South Americans
Germany 1-2 Colombia | Group H
Goalscorers: Caicedo (53′), Popp pen (89′), Vanegas (90+7′)
Colombia sent shockwaves across the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ with a stunning 2-1 victory over Germany at Sydney Football Stadium.
The South Americans took the lead through Linda Caicedo before Alexandra Popp equalised with a late penalty. But just as the game looked to be finishing all square, Manuela Vanegas popped up with a later header to take home all three points.
A hard-fought first half brought plenty of perspiration but very little inspiration from either side. Germany forward Alexandra Popp enjoyed the best chance when a deflected shot fell to her inside the box, but she could only steer her volley over the bar.
The game burst into life just after the break with a moment of brilliance from Caicedo. Fed the ball inside the box, she shimmed menacingly before flicking the ball from one foot to the other with a mesmerising la croqueta to evade two German challenges. The finish, a curling shot into the top corner of Merle Frohms’ net, was just as impressive.
Colombia pressed for a second goal but looked to have fallen victim to a classic sucker-punch when Lena Oberdorf was wiped out by Cafeteros keeper Catalina Perez after breaking through. Popp took the resulting penalty and made no mistake, firing straight down the middle.
The South Americans would not be denied, however, and claimed a famous win when Vanegas rose highest from Leicy Santos corner to steer home an instantly iconic header.
Key stat
This was just Germany’s second group-stage defeat at the global finals from 26 games.
VISA Player of the Match
Linda Caicedo (Colombia)
fifa.com
