Germany lost shockingly in the 2023 Women's World Cup
* Score: Popp 89' penalty – Caicedo 52', Vanegas 90'+7.
Before the match, Germany had never had opponents from South America in the Women's World Cup, with a record of winning four, drawing one, scoring 28 and conceding only five goals. They are also going through the longest unbeaten streak in the group stage of the tournament since 1995: 20 matches (16 wins and four draws).
However, on Sydney Court, history has reversed. Germany controlled the ball 68%, Colombia proved dangerous with tight defensive play, ready to kick and high counterattack thanks to the trio of Linda Caicedo, Catalina Usme and Mayra Ramirez.
After a goalless first half, Colombia suddenly opened the scoring in the 52nd minute thanks to Linda Caicedo's personal shining moment. From the left wing, the 18-year-old striker passed Svenja Huth and then hit the ball into the top corner of the goal. This is the second goal in the tournament for the Real Madrid striker and the first for Germany. Caicedo seemed unable to participate in this match, after fainting on the training ground two days ago.
Trying to find an equalizer, coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg's army encountered a fierce Colombian play. It was not until the 88th minute that Germany found the equalizer. From the central coordination phase, Lena Oberdorf escaped, skillfully handled goalkeeper Catalina Perez to earn a penalty. On the 11m mark, captain Alexandra Popp shot in the middle to equalize 1-1.
The draw was not enough for Germany's ambitions, and they still pressed on in attack. But this is what makes them pay. In the sixth minute, Colombia counter-attacked and earned a corner on the right. Leicy Santos hung the ball to Manuela Vanegas to head high, not giving goalkeeper Merle Frohms a chance to save.
The remaining time was not enough for Germany to regain a point, accepting a 1-2 loss. This is the next surprise of the tournament after the Philippines defeated New Zealand and indirectly made the opponent the first home team to be eliminated from the group stage of the Women's World Cup.
Colombia leads Group H with six points, while Germany has three points, equal to Morocco but second due to a better goal difference. Korea has not won any points. The situation of Group H is therefore not finished. In the final round, Colombia can still be eliminated if they lose heavily to Morocco, and Germany wins against South Korea. South Korea can still continue if they win by a margin of Germany, and Morocco loses to Colombia.
Germany: Merle Frohms, Chantal Hagel, Kathrin Hendrich, Svenja Huth, Sara Doorsoun, Lena Oberdorf, Sara Daebritz, Klara Buehl, Lina Magull, Jule Brand, Alexandra Popp
Colombia: Catalina Perez, Manuela Vanegas, Daniela Arias, Carolina Arias, Jorelyn Carabali, Lorena Durango, Daniela Montoya, Lady Andrade, Linda Caicedo, Mayra Ramirez, Catalina Usme.
