The women’s Olympic side now know they will need to get a win against the hosts France if they want to have a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals of Paris 2024, after they were defeated 2-0 by Colombia in their second Group A match. 

The both sides knew each other well after contesting two friendly games at the end of 2023, where the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finalists won one game and drew the other with the Ferns. 

Head coach Michael Mayne only made once change to his starting line-up that featured in the narrow defeat to reigning champions Canada, with Jacqui Hand coming in for Grace Jale. 

Both teams had early chances, the best of which for the Ferns came from Rebekah Stott where the defender drove towards the box before her shot deflected wide for a corner in the 13th minute. 

Colombia took the lead in the 27th minute with a great long-range volley from Marcela Restrepo. 

The ball deflected high into the air and the midfielder struck it precisely past Anna Leat in goal to make it 1-0 at the break.

The second half saw the Ferns continue to press to get back into the game with Grace Jale and Annalie Longo brought on for Milly Clegg and Malia Steinmetz. 

Colombia got their second in the 72nd minute with a neat passing move finding Leicy Santos around the penalty spot and the midfielder powerfully finishing into the top corner of the net. 

The Ferns continued to create chances but couldn’t find the breakthrough, Rebekah Stott coming the closest, nearly scoring a wondergoal after chipping the ball over a Colombian defender and volleying from long range but it went just wide. 

The match ended 2-0 with the Ferns knowing they will need to beat the hosts in their final group game. 

Article added: Sunday 28 July 2024