Colombia could not round off the good campaign they had throughout the Copa América Femenina at home with the title, but they gained prestige, respect and space in the continental concert.
The Colombians lost 1-0 against Brazil last night in a final that they played with dignity and height, at the Alfonso López stadium in Bucaramanga, which was filled with fans in yellow shirts.
Nelson Abadía’s team did not lift the Cup, but they will be in the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Colombia had a good first half, which had personality and a dynamic game, without intimidation against the powerful Brazil, which lost midfielder Angelina early due to injury, and gave way to Duda.
The first action of the coffee team that brought danger to the ‘Canarinha’ goal happened in the 20th minute, through a free kick by Catalina Usme that goalkeeper Lorena had to send to the corner.
Colombia generated partnerships with Leicy Santos, Catalina Usme, Linda Caicedo and Mayra Ramírez, although the last move was not convincing. Brazil, for its part, took precautions grouping enough players in the rear.
When they went on the attack, the Brazilians opted for the bands, but Daniela Caracas and Manuela Vanegas knew how to answer for their respective sides on the mark. Then, Brazil tried mid-distance shots, like one made by Adriana that went close to goalkeeper Catalina Pérez’s right post.
Brazil did not create any danger, but Debinha, the most outstanding to date, invented a play through the center of the area and was brought down by Manuela Vanegas. Penalty and goal for ‘Verdeamarela’ in the 39th minute. Debinha herself executed the charge to the right post, while Catalina Pérez played it on the other side.
Colombia remained calm despite being down on the scoreboard, but did not miss a beat. In the 45th minute there was a controversial play in which Mayra Ramírez lowered a ball into the chest inside the area and was knocked down by a defense in the action. The VAR did not review the play.
And before going to the showers, Brazil forgave Colombia the second with a shot by Rafaelle, after a ball that floated in the danger zone.
In the second half, the Brazilians were more than the Colombians in the first minutes. They overcame, covered the exit, added volume of attack and played practically in the premises of the ‘Cafeteras’.
Brazil’s second goal was imminent and Colombia only managed to defend itself, without falling apart, but the superiority of soccer and the physique of the ‘Canarinha’ was evident.
Catalina Pérez drowned out the second goal cry in a one-on-one with Debinha, and from there Colombia woke up, looking for a tie with actions by Linda Caicedo or Leicy Santos. And he put more rhythm, more football and courage. Arguments that in the end were insufficient, because Brazil kept the crown, the eighth in its record.
However, Colombia won. He did not lift the title. But she was champion. Champion of courage, and she will show it in the World Cup and the Olympics.
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