- Colombia’s Confident Approach Ahead of World Cup Quarterfinal Rematch with England
- Colombia’s Historic Victory Over Germany Boosts Confidence for Upcoming Match
- Colombia’s Catalina Usme Expresses Confidence in Team’s Preparation and Goals
Colombia coach Nelson Abada says Saturday’s World Cup quarterfinal against England will repeat the team’s success against Germany.
Abada was more reserved than his captain, Catalina Usme, who said “We know we can pull it off” after Colombia defeated Jamaica 1-0 to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time, but he made it clear that his team would not suffer from an inferiority complex.
Colombia sent shockwaves through the women’s football world when they defeated Germany 2-1 in the group stage. Resulting in the European superpower – ranked second by Fifa, two spots above England – being eliminated from the tournament early.
“Of course, England is one of the favorites – that goes without saying, as European champions,” Abada stated. “However, we also faced Germany, who was the second-best team in the world, but we were wise enough, our players had composure, and we will approach the game against England with composure.” It will not be an easy contest, that is certain.”
In assessing Colombia’s prospects, Abada referred to the United States and Canada’s early exits.
“According to English football and its history, we must be cautious,” he said. “However, based on the football displayed [at this tournament], I believe the gaps have been closed, and Colombia has been solid.”
Usme, who scored the game-winning goal and was named player of the match against Jamaica, would not speculate on how her team would defeat England. She said, “We came here to play seven finals.” We are confident in our preparedness and know we can reach our big goals. Enter the field and give it all.”
Colombia is the final team from the Americas remaining in the tournament. Abada said it was a historic day for our nation, but their ongoing World Cup participation did not surprise them.
“When we qualified for the World Cup, I told the players, ‘We are not here to waste time; we are here to make history,'” he explained.
“After the game against Morocco, I told my players, ‘This wasn’t a setback, it was a boost.’ We took it that way, and that’s why we were on the pitch today to play the way we play, having the ball, having possession, closing down spaces, and using good time management.”
Lauren James will be unavailable for England’s match against Colombia due to her red card against Nigeria. Tuesday, the forward expressed regret for stepping on Michelle Alozie. “I am sorry for what has happened,” she tweeted. Also, playing with and for our England fans and my teammates is my greatest honor, and I vow to learn from my experience.
The Football Association stated that James’ actions were “entirely out of character” and that it would “put forward representation on her behalf” as part of the Fifa disciplinary procedure that will determine whether to extend her automatic one-game suspension.
Jamaican coach Lorne Donaldson was “very proud” with his team’s performance despite preparation issues. “Coming in with no games, I am ecstatic that the players were able to perform at this level,” he said.
