Agency :
Colombia have done it!
The hosts of Copa América Femenina 2022 beat Argentina 1-0 in the semi-final on Monday night (25 July), to secure their spot in the final.
It also guarantees the Colombians a place at the Paris 2024 Olympic women’s football tournament.
In front of 15.000 people in the stands of the Alfonso López Stadium, in Bucaramanga, Colombia’s players were tense in the opening minutes, with Argentina better organised and on the pitch.
The locals struggled to keep the ball and play their characteristic position game. Argentina midfielders Estefanía Banini and Flor Bonsegundo took control, but Yamila Rodríguez failed to convert two good chances to score.
Colombia got back into the game, and showed their promise when Linda Caicedo put the ball in the net. The 17-year-old started her dazzling show by beating Argentina’s keeper Vanina Correa, but the goal was disallowed due to a handball when controlling the ball.
The home side were encouraged. From minute 30 Colombia started to take control, forgetting the nervousness and starting to keep possession.
On minute 32, Catalina Usme found playmaker Leicy Santos who assisted Caicedo with an accurate ball through. The striker missed the shot and the ball was blocked by Correa.
A few minutes later Colombia had the best chance of the first half. Santos combined with Mayra Ramírez, who dribbled past two defenders before hitting the post (36′).
