They say that the one who loses is the one who doesn’t try, and that’s what the women who shattered history at the 2024 Olympic Games have focused on.
The Colombian National Team faces off against Spain this Saturday (10:00 a.m.), the rival nobody would have wanted in women’s football in Paris, in the first quarterfinal phase in history for the tricolor.
The opponent is none other than the current world champion under 17 (final in India where they beat the Colombians), under 20, and senior. But that adds more spice to the challenge.
The challenge here goes hand in hand with the gems that haven’t shone in the first phase of the Olympic competition: Linda Caicedo from Real Madrid, Leicy Santos from Washington Spirit but formerly Atlético de Madrid, and Mayra Ramírez, the most expensive forward from the last transfer market and star signing of Chelsea.
Although Leicy has already scored, her teammates have yet to make their mark, and thus it’s expected they will step up in this tough challenge. Mayra’s return, after a drastic sanction for expulsion in the debut against France, is the biggest hope for the national team.
At this point, having to face the big favorite for the Olympic gold, they reach this stage by having won only one match in group A against New Zealand (2-0), losing to France (3-2) and Canada (1-0). But without time for lamentations, it’s time to think about solutions. They competed without complexes against two favorites like the French and the Canadians (defenders of the Olympic gold) and must do the same now against the Spaniards, who are more technical but also grant more freedom of play to their opponents.
Spaniards, inspired
Spain arrives at these quarterfinals undefeated with a full set of victories against Japan (2-1), Nigeria (1-0), and Brazil (2-0). They recover key players and aim to continue in the race with them, but they have some concerns.
Captain Irene Paredes, left-back Oihane Hernández, and Patri Guijarro are coming in with some worries. And goalkeeper Cata Coll suffered a knee injury in the match against Brazil, which will require her to wear a mask.
The bad news for Colombia is that the stars Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, Salma Paralluelo, and Mariona Caldentey are back, having rested in the last group stage match to be fresh for the quarterfinals.
Probable lineups
Colombia: Tapia; Vanegas, Carolina Arias, Carabalí, Daniela Arias; Izquierdo, Restrepo, Santos; Caicedo, Pavi, and Ramírez
Spain: Coll; Carmona, Paredes, Aleixandri, Batlle; Bonmatí, Guijarro, Putellas; Del Castillo, Paralluelo, and Caldentey.
Stadium: Groupama Stadium in Lyon
Referee: Katia García (MEX)
Time: 10:00 a.m. (Colombian time)
TV: Caracol, RCN, and Claro Sports
Online: www.futbolred.com