Colombia scored a 97th-minute winner through a Manuela Vanegas header to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany and stand on the cusp of the Women’s World Cup last 16 on Sunday.
Skipper Alexandra Popp thought she had rescued a point for Germany as she held her nerve to score from the spot on 89 minutes.
But in an incredible finish to a pulsating clash, Vanegas popped up deep into stoppage time for all three points with a close-range header.
Colombia scored a 97th-minute winner through a Manuela Vanegas header to snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany and stand on the cusp of the Women’s World Cup last 16 on Sunday.
Skipper Alexandra Popp thought she had rescued a point for Germany as she held her nerve to score from the spot on 89 minutes.
But in an incredible finish to a pulsating clash, Vanegas popped up deep into stoppage time for all three points with a close-range header.
It came after Linda Caicedo scored one of the goals of the tournament in front of 40,000 fans in Sydney near the start of the second half, but that was just the beginning of the drama.
Their victory left Colombia top of Group H with a perfect six points. Germany and Morocco have three each and all to play for.
South Korea are still just about alive on zero points.
Germany face the Koreans in the last round of matches while Colombia are up against Morocco.
Singing and dancing Colombian fans vastly outnumbered German supporters in a raucous crowd at Sydney Football Stadium.
Loud boos and whistles went up each time Germany had the ball, and they had plenty of it in the first half.
Lina Magull swung and missed the ball as it sat up invitingly for her in the Colombian penalty area.
Magull was a menace and after making life difficult once more for the Colombian defence, the ball fell to striker Popp with the goal gaping just before the break.
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