World Championship
DFB opponent Colombia wins – debutant Philippines surprised
The next DFB opponents, Colombia, also started the World Cup with a win. photo
© Sophie Ralph/FR171993 AP/dpa
After beating Morocco 6-0, the DFB women have to play against Colombia at the World Cup. The South Americans also start successfully. A World Cup debut surprises.
The next German opponent Colombia won their first group game at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand with ease.
The South American runners-up won 2-0 (2-0) against South Korea in Sydney. Catalina Usme with a hand penalty in the 30th minute and Linda Caicedo in the 39th minute scored the deserved success.
Caicedo capitalized on a mistake by goalkeeper Yoon Younggeul, who skidded the shot over her fists into the net. After the break, even greater success would have been possible. South Korea had their best chance just before half-time through Lee Geummin, but goalkeeper Catalina Pérez saved the header. Overall, the Asian women, who were also offensively active at the beginning, were too harmless in front of 24,323 spectators.
The German team also meets Colombia in Sydney next Sunday. South Korea is the last German opponent in the preliminary round on August 3rd in Brisbane. The Asians are coached by former Frankfurt Bundesliga coach Colin Bell.
New Zealand fails against World Cup debutant
Meanwhile, co-hosts New Zealand have to cope with their first setback. After the 1-0 win against Norway, there was a surprising 0-1 (0-1) defeat against World Cup debutants Philippines. In Wellington, Sarina Bolden scored the only goal in a hard-fought game in the 24th minute. Her header was also the Philippines’ first shot on goal at a World Cup.
At the start of Group A, the Philippines lost 2-0 to the Swiss coached by Inka Grings. Before the last group game against Norway, they can still dream of progressing. New Zealand contests its group final against Switzerland, which is expected to be stronger. It threatens to end in the preliminary round.
After Bolden’s somewhat flattering lead, New Zealand pressed vehemently for the equaliser, but missed a number of opportunities. Jacqui’s hand was the best in the second half, hitting the inside of the post. Shortly thereafter, their supposed header goal to make it 1-1 was disallowed for offside after a video evidence decision.