Despite the defeat against Colombia, La Tri was left with one of the places in the World Cup to be held in the Dominican Republic.
The last date of the South American Under 17 Women’s Championship was played this Sunday, with the first match being Colombia vs Ecuador. La Tri had the opportunity to make history, because with a draw or victory they qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Those led by Eduardo Moscoso were surprised at the end and ended up losing 4-2. Despite the result, Ecuador qualified for the World Cup due to Brazil’s 5-1 victory over Paraguay.
La Tri arrived with a chance to qualify after having beaten Paraguay 1-0 on matchday 2. On the first day of the quadrangular they were beaten 4-0 by Brazil. With three points, they were above Colombia and Albirroja, needing just one point to go to the World Cup.
The game started on the wrong foot for Ecuador when they received a goal after 30 seconds. After a lateral, the La Tri players were very passive in defense, and Grace Martínez anticipated to make it 1-0. Colombia’s score made the tricolors wake up, responding immediately.
A poor start by the Cafeteras in defense left Emily Delgado in front of the goal, and the Ecuadorian striker did not hesitate to finish first to equalize the score (1-1). With the tie, La Tri took defensive precautions against a Colombia that came out looking for the second goal. Those led by Eduardo Moscoso were solid in defense, and went into the break qualifying for the World Cup.
La Tri lost against Colombia. (@LaTri)
At the beginning of the second half, La Tri was close to turning the score around, but Doménica Arboleda’s center crossed the goal line and an opponent cleared the ball. At 60′ Delgado reappeared to take advantage of another error at the start and shoot at the goal with the goalkeeper incorrectly positioned to reverse the score and put La Tri ahead at 2-1.
Colombia went out to look for an equalizer, and after several minutes without being able to create any danger, they tied the game at 70′. Samantha Rodríguez collected a rebound from goalkeeper Melany Pozo to finish on goal and make it 2-2. With the clean and jerk of the goal, the Cafeteras turned the score around through Maithe López, who finished on goal and a weak reaction from Pozo allowed the score to be 3-2.
La Tri felt very hit with the two consecutive goals, and as if that were not enough, it was 4-2. Nikol Rojas took a soft shot that Pozo could not reach and scored the fourth goal for Colombia. Moscoso’s team had no reaction and ended up losing the game 4-2.
What does the Ecuador Under 17 team need to go to the Women’s World Cup?
On this same date, Brazil (leader with four points) will face its counterpart from Paraguay, last in the table with only one point. If the Canarinha wins, La Tri and Colombia will automatically celebrate qualification, something that Ecuador will also achieve if the Paraguayans tie. If Paraguay wins, La Tri will be out of the World Cup.