Colombia strike late to upset Germany in Women’s World Cup stunner
Colombia produced one of the most dramatic Women’s World Cup upsets, scoring in the last minute to beat two-time world champion Germany 2-1 on Sunday, July 30.
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The South American side looked to have been denied a famous win after Alexandra Popp equalized for Germany from the penalty spot in the 89th minute, canceling out 18-year-old sensation Linda Caicedo’s wonderful opener at the start of the second half.
But, in the dying seconds, Manuela Vanegas scored with a brilliant header from a corner to spark frenzied celebrations inside the Sydney Football Stadium.
With one round of fixtures left, Colombia is top of Group H with Germany in second, ahead of Morocco on goal difference.
The winning goal, which officially came in the 97th minute, secured Colombia its biggest win to date and inflicted on Germany its first World Cup group stage defeat since 1995.
The world No. 25 was very much the underdog heading into the game against a Germany side ranked 2nd in the world and considered one of the pre-tournament favorites.
But, as has often been the case as this year’s tournament, the lesser-fancied teams have performed far better than many had expected, and Colombia stopped Germany from stamping its authority.
The 27th-ranked Colombia now need only a draw against Morocco in its final Group H match to be certain of reaching the last 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
