Yahoo Sports 2024 Olympics: Colombia secure convincing win over New Zealand
After an agonising 3-2 defeat to France in their opener, Colombia secured a convincing win over New Zealand in their 2024 Olympics campaign. The Football Ferns go another game without a win, having fallen 2-0 to the resilient South Americans.
Goals from Marcela Restrepo and Leicy Santos ensured Colombia kept their fight alive as they eye a place in the knockouts.
Starting XIs
Colombia
Tapia; Vanegas, Arias, Pavi, Restrepo, Santos, Usme, Izquierdo, Carabali, Arias, Caicedo
New Zealand
Leat; Taylor, Barry, Bott, Steinmetz, Riley, Kitching, Stott, Bowen, Hand, Clegg
Colombia off the mark
Colombia had chance after chance early on but couldn’t make them count, but a moment of magic in the 27th minute finally helped them take the lead. Restrepo latched onto a loose aerial ball to strike a stunning volley through the crowded penalty area. The strike left New Zealand goalkeeper Anna Leat with little chance to preserve her clean sheet.
More chances were created for Colombia, however they were unable to add to their scoreline. After some excellent control on the wing by Santos, the ball was whipped across the area. Linda Caicedo outmuscled CJ Bott to get a shot in, forcing a great save from Leat.
Colombia finished the first half strong, as New Zealand struggled to find a real foothold in the tie with the Powerpuff Girls leading 1-0 at the break.
Despite an initially slow start to the second half, the South Americans always looked the more likely to score next. The Colombians kept pushing and finally got their second goal after some good passing and a well-worked cross from Manuela Vanegas that found Santos. The No.10 struck a left-footed shot from the centre of the box, finding the top left corner of Leat’s goal. The match continued at a high pace with chances at both ends. Despite the late action, the tie ended 2-0 to the South Americans.
Colombia took all three points from the match and will face Canada next. The current reigning Olympic champions will be without head coach Bev Priestman, following her year-long ban from football. New Zealand are yet to register any points or score any goals in the tournament. The Football Ferns will take on France in their final group game with only a win enough to guarantee their progression to the quarter-finals.
