Germany suffered a shocking defeat at the 2023 Women's World Cup

Australia and Colombia created another shock at the 2023 Women's World Cup when they defeated Germany 2-1 in the second match of Group H on the afternoon of July 30.

* Scored: Popp 89' penalty – Caicedo 52', Vanegas 90'+7.

Before the match, Germany had never faced South American opponents at the Women's World Cup, with a record of four wins and one draw, scoring 28 and conceding just five goals. They were also on their longest unbeaten run in the group stage of the tournament since 1995: 20 games (16 wins and four draws).

However, at Sydney Stadium, history was reversed. Germany controlled the ball 68% of the time, Colombia proved dangerous with a tight defense, ready to play hard and high speed counter-attacks thanks to the trio Linda Caicedo, Catalina Usme and Mayra Ramirez.

Vanegas (No. 2) celebrates scoring the winning goal in Colombia's 2-1 victory over Germany in the second match of Group H of the 2023 Women's World Cup. Photo: Sky Sports

After a goalless first half, Colombia surprisingly opened the scoring in the 52nd minute thanks to a moment of individual brilliance from Linda Caicedo. From the left wing, the 18-year-old striker beat Svenja Huth and curled the ball into the top corner. This was the Real Madrid striker's second goal of the tournament and Germany's first loss. Caicedo was thought to be unable to play in this match, after fainting in training two days ago.

Trying to push forward to find an equalizer, coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg's team was caught in Colombia's aggressive play. It wasn't until the 88th minute that Germany found an equalizer. From a central combination, Lena Oberdorf broke through and skillfully handled the ball, causing goalkeeper Catalina Perez to commit a foul and earn a penalty. On the 11m mark, captain Alexandra Popp shot straight into the middle to tie the score 1-1.

A draw was not enough for Germany's ambitions, and they continued to attack. But this cost them. In the sixth minute of injury time, Colombia counter-attacked and won a corner on the right. Leicy Santos crossed the ball for Manuela Vanegas to jump high and head, leaving goalkeeper Merle Frohms no chance to block.

The remaining time was not enough for Germany to snatch a point, accepting a 1-2 loss. This was the next surprise of the tournament after the Philippines defeated New Zealand and indirectly made the opponent become the first host team to be eliminated from the group stage of the Women's World Cup.

Colombia has moved to the top of Group H with six points, while Germany has three points, tied with Morocco but is second due to a better goal difference. South Korea has yet to win any points. The Group H situation is therefore undecided. In the final round, Colombia can still be eliminated if they lose by a large margin to Morocco, while Germany wins against South Korea. South Korea can still advance if they beat Germany by a large margin, while Morocco loses to Colombia.

Starting lineup

Germany: Merle Frohms, Chantal Hagel, Kathrin Hendrich, Svenja Huth, Sara Doorsoun, Lena Oberdorf, Sara Daebritz, Klara Buehl, Lina Magull, Jule Brand, Alexandra Popp

Colombia: Catalina Perez, Manuela Vanegas, Daniela Arias, Carolina Arias, Jorelyn Carabali, Lorena Durango, Daniela Montoya, Lady Andrade, Linda Caicedo, Mayra Ramirez, Catalina Usme.

Hieu Luong

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