Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023: Colombia reach quarter-final for the first time after defeating Jamaica

Women’s FIFA World Cup 2023: Colombia reach quarter-final for the first time after defeating Jamaica- Colombia defeated Jamaica 1-0 in the second half on Tuesday, advancing the South Americans to their first Women’s World Cup quarterfinal.

The captain’s 51st-minute strike sent Colombian fans into a frenzy at a full Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, ensuring Colombia will face England in the last four.

What had been a tense and physical battle up until halftime sprang into life after Usme’s goal, with both teams attacking ferociously.

The ‘Reggae Girlz’ of Jamaica had chances to tie the game, but they bowed out swinging after reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their second FIFA World Cup.

Jamaica, who had not conceded a goal all tournament, suffocated the Colombians early on, sometimes leaving its players spread on the turf with powerful tackles.

Colombian prodigy Linda Caicedo was kept quiet on the left flank, and the South Americans’ first good scoring chance came in the 38th minute, thanks to a corner.

However, Jorelyn Carabali wasted it by firing a reckless volley from the edge of the area over the bar.

Referee Kate Jacewicz became frustrated with the Jamaicans’ aggression, issuing two yellow cards in five minutes to defender Chantelle Swaby and midfielder Drew Spence before the halfway break.

Ana Maria Guzman, Colombia’s new girl, broke the game open after the interval with a long cross that found Usme in space on the right.

Usme dribbled past Jamaica defender Deneisha Blackwood and blasted a low left-footed shot inside the far post.

Three minutes later, Jamaica had a fantastic opportunity to equalise when Blackwood’s corner found Jody Brown in front of goal, but the midfielder’s header pinged off the base of the left post.

As the regulation time ran out, Jamaica pushed forward in desperation.

Drew Spence leaped to meet a Tiffany Cameron cross, but her header sailed just past of the left post in the 82nd minute, allowing Colombia to cling on to the victory.