Colombia's starting players pose for photos prior to the round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
MELBOURNE, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Colombia made history in Women's World Cup as they built on the momentum to reach into the last eight by knocking out Jamaica 1-0 in a round of 16 tie here on Tuesday.
Colombia moved to the knockout phase for the second time by winning Group H having previously achieved the feat at the finals in 2015. Their last appearance in the round of 16 saw them go down 2-0 to the U.S..
Jamaica have earned an unexpected last-16 spot after eliminating Brazil in Group F and qualified for the knockout the first time, becoming the third team from CONCACAF to achieve that in the history of the competition after U.S. and Canada. They are one of three teams that did not concede a single goal in the group stage.
It was fairly a tedious first-half, as both sides failed to create genuine chances. Jamaica saw their two attempts wide of the framework while Colombia only managed one of five shots on target.
The tempo accelerated straight after the break as Colombia tipped the balance of the tie in the 51st minute, when Ana Guzman spread the play down the right, Deneisha Blackwood's error allowed Catalina Usme to beat goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer one-on-one.
Jody Brown was close to equalizing for Jamaica just three minutes later, but her header from a close range was cleared off the line.
Jamaica created another huge chance in the 82nd minute, but Drew Spence saw her towering header inches wide, while on the other end, Leicy Santos steered her header onto the upright.
Despite Jamaica's bid for an equalizer, Colombia's solid defense left them no chance until the final whistle.
Colombia will face off England in the quarterfinal on Saturday. ■
Colombia's Catalina Usme (R) breaks through during the round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Colombia's Catalina Usme (C) shoots to score during the round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Colombia's Carolina Arias (2nd R) tries to blocks a shot during the round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Colombia's Jorelyn Carabali (L) vies with Jamaica's Khadija Shaw the round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
Colombia's Catalina Usme (R) shoots to score during the round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
FIFA president Gianni Infantino (front 2nd R) watches the round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)
Colombia's Jorelyn Carabali (L) and Daniela Caracas celebrate after the round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)
