Lady Andrade celebrates after scoring against France. Photo: Colombian Football Federation
Women’s World Cup success
In the Women’s 2015 World Cup in Canada, Las Cafeteras have already reached the second round. A draw versus Mexico and an unexpected win over world number three, France, put Colombia on four points from two matches, claiming qualification for the next round. The 2-0 victory over France meant the ‘Chicas Superpoderosas’ first World Cup win in only their second appearance. A brilliant pass from star number ten Yoreli Rincón was finished by Lady Andrade in the 19th minute. Goalkeeper Sandra Sepúlveda stood in the way of the French strikers more than once, but Colombia also had its share of luck when a handball from Daniela Montoya in the penalty area wasn’t called. In the dying seconds of the game, Catalina Usme Pineda successfully finished a counter attack to write history in Colombian women’s football. Their second round opponent will be decided after their final group game against England on Wednesday June 17.
Colombian World Cup U-20 dream is over
The Colombian under-20 squad finished the World Cup in New Zealand just shy of the quarter finals. The team managed by Carlos ‘Piscis’ Restrepo came through the group stage in second place, sending Senegal to third place on goal difference. They recorded a 1-0 victory over Qatar in the first match, a 1-1 draw against Senegal and a 2-0 defeat in the final group game against Portugal.
However, USA had the edge over the Colombian youngsters in the first knockout stage, sending them home with extra experience under their belts and high hopes for the future. Coach Restrepo said, “I really like this generation of players. They’re technically very strong and I’m sure that some have a great career ahead of them.”
Liga Aguila title to Cali
Deportivo Cali claimed their ninth league title – their first title since 2005 – in a final against Independiente Medellin. Cali, playing with a team with many players from their own academy, deserved the title. Coached by manager Fernando ‘El Pecoso’ Castro, they took a 1-0 lead in the first leg in Cali and the 1-1 draw in Medellin proved enough to win them the title.
With the youngest squad in the league, Cali fought for the top spots from the very beginning, making them one of the best teams throughout the season. They were down four players for the final stages because of the U-20 World Cup, but still got the better of Atletico Nacional, Millonarios and Independiente Medellin in the final stages.
