Colombia stun Germany at World Cup but New Zealand out in tears

AFP | Auckland                                

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Colombia scored a 97th-minute winner to stun Germany 2-1 on a night of Women’s World Cup drama yesterday which also saw Norway and Switzerland into the last 16 but co-hosts New Zealand dumped out in tears.

Germany smashed Morocco 6-0 in their opener to underline why they were among the pre-tournament favourites, along with Spain and England, to snatch away the United States’ crown.

But they came crashing back down to earth at the hands of a Colombia side inspired by 18-year-old Linda Caicedo and roared on by the majority of a rowdy 40,000 crowd in Sydney.

The Real Madrid attacker scored one of the goals of the tournament so far, darting past two Germany defenders before curling the ball into the top corner to open the scoring. Germany thought they had salvaged a point in the 89th minute when skipper Alexandra Popp defied the whistles to score from the penalty spot.

But with a pulsating game deep into stoppage time and appeared destined for a draw, Manuela Vanegas popped up to head home from close range and put Colombia on the verge of the last 16.

Going into the last round of group matches, Colombia are top of Group H on six points, Germany and Morocco have three and South Korea have zero. Germany’s fate is still in their own hands when they face the Koreans next, with Colombia against Morocco.

Morocco won a Women’s World Cup match for the first time after Ibtissam Jraidi struck early to give them a 1-0 victory over South Korea. “I would like to dedicate this victory to Morocco and all the Arab nations at large,” said Jraidi.

As well as capturing a first Morocco victory at the tournament, the team made another piece of history when defender Nouhaila Benzina became the first to play in a hijab at the Women’s World Cup.

Norway through, New Zealand out Norway and Switzerland both emerged out of an excruciatingly tight Group A. Former champions Norway thrashed the Philippines 6-0 in Auckland to squeeze into the last 16 on goal difference from New Zealand.

A full house in Dunedin saw the co-hosts held 0-0 by a stubborn Switzerland as the Football Ferns bowed out of their home tournament in tears. The 1995 champions Norway needed a win and they did it in style against World Cup debutants the Philippines, who themselves were still in with a chance of reaching the knockouts.

Sophie Roman Haug scored a hat-trick as the Philippines’ fairytale journey came to a shuddering halt. With Norway well ahead, New Zealand -- who were in pole position at the start of the day along with the Swiss to go through -- now needed to beat Switzerland.

The hosts had the better of the first half with a string of chances, the pick of which saw forward Jacqui Hand rattle the post on 24 minutes. As Norway chalked up the goals in Auckland, the New Zealanders upped the intensity, knowing only a win would be good enough to advance.

The atmosphere among the sell-out crowd grew more heated as both teams pushed for a goal and New Zealand goalkeeper Victoria Esson might have won it with a header from a corner in added time that went wide.