Columbia beat Germany after a 97th minute winner in their Group H Group Stage match.
This leaves the group in open window , with the table currently looking like this:
Colombia (6 points)
Germany (3 points)
Morocco (3 points)
South Korea (0 points)
The German's gave an impressive display in their first match of the tournament , after winning against Morocco 6-0. But, they struggled to find their form against the Colombian side, who came out strong.
Colombia also won their opening match , against South Korea 2-0.
But , the Colombian's went in to the match as far the under dogs. However, the whole of the ground seemed to be behind them and really where their 12th man.
The first half provided opportunities for both sides- although the general feeling after 45 was that Germany would still be able to get the win. For all, they had a bench full of super stars (as well as the ones on the pitch) and , despite their attempts the Colombian's would end up falling short - with not enough 'fuel in the tank' . But, the Colombian's went against all expectations.
Scoring the first goal just 7 minuets into the second half (52') by 18 -year -old Linda Caicedo. The 18 year old really has had quite the year. She has featured in 3 World Cup's in one year (yes!!!). Linda has participated in the ; U17s Women's World Cup, U20s Women's World Cup, World Cup (senior finals).
After being diagnosed with Ovarian cancer back in 2020, aged just 15, she really has defined the odds . She signed with the Spanish super-house that is Real Madrid back in February earlier this year.
Caicedo's goal was nothing less then perfection - she guided the German markers outside her- and then a moment of magical footwork to get free of them- to provide space for her sweet strike, hitting the 'top bin' , out of reach of Frohms.
It really was a piece of magic. And for a player of that age to be able to gain control like that .... really is amazing.
After the teenagers goal, chances came for both sides. Interestingly, Magull was taken off after 67' minuets in part of a re vamp of the German side. And although the substitution of Magull for Schüller did solve some of the problems (or more holes) in the side, It still left gaps. Especially when free kicks took place, they where often wasted opportunities after their was no natural free kick takers left.
But, after a through ball, just before the end of regulation time, Pérez (the Columbian goalkeeper) committed a foul on Oberdorf , and a penalty was immediately given. Up stepped Captain Popp, and with ice cold precision -as always- stepped up from the spot and scored.
Perhaps to outsiders it was all over for Colombia - with the state of play it looked very likely that the German's would be able to get another and then take the 3 points that Colombia had so very protected.
However, the Colombian's went for it - and got their goal! After a corner, neatly delivered by Santos , a poorly marked Vanegas was able to deliver it swiftly into the back post.
And that was it .... the Stadium went nuts! As I said prior, it really felt as though the whole of the stadium was behind the Colombians.
With a few minutes left to play , which included a few last minute ditch -attempts from the German's that really where going to lead to nothing , all 3 points went the Colombians way.
So, where does this leave Group H?
Well, the German's can still get out of the group, and it doesn't mean that Colombia are through to the last 16 either. (Although it does leave them in the driving seat of the group) . The table is as below:
Colombia (6 points)
Germany (3 points)
Morocco (3 points)
South Korea (0 points)
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