Colombians in dazzling form as they outclass New Zealand at Olympic Games

The Football Ferns have lost their second group game at the Summer Olympics, outplayed by an impressive Colombia who won 2-0 at Stade de Lyon, Décines-Charpieu.

New Zealand put in the effort but could not contain a high-energy and skilful South American side, spearheaded by Real Madrid’s Linda Calcedo.

Colombia dominated possession, playing with confidence and registering 17 shots, of which seven were on target, while the Ferns failed to hit the target, from six shots.

Main photo: New Zealand’s Kate Taylor is outnumbered by the Colombians.

Acting head coach Michael Mayne made one change from the Ferns’ starting line-up against Canada, bringing in forward Jacqui Hand for Grace Jale.

Midfielder Macey Fraser, who rolled her ankle in the tournament opener, was left out of the matchday squad.

The first half was mostly one-way traffic, as the Colombians used pace down the flanks to stretch the New Zealand defence and create chances for their forwards.

Manuela Pavi had the best of her team’s early chances, dragging her shot wide of the New Zealand goal when clear.

*New Zealand’s Anna Leat can’t prevent Marcela Restrepo’s shot from finding the net.*

Colombia took the lead in the 26th minute when the Ferns defence did not immediately clear a free kick into the area, and it fell to Marcela Restrepo on the edge of the box. Her volley skimmed across the turf and crept inside the far post, despite the efforts of ‘keeper Anna Leat.

It was Restropo’s first international goal in five years.

The Colombians poured on the pressure, with star player Linda Calcedo tormenting the New Zealand defence with her runs, while CJ Bott limited the damage the best she could.

Claims for a penalty were denied when CJ Bott made a sliding tackle on Calcedo in the 40th minute.

*CJ Bott slide tackles Linda Calcedo, sparking claims for a penalty.*

In first half stoppage time, Calcedo weaved into the area, forcing an excellent save from Leat at the near post.

Then, defender Manuela Vanegas hammered a shot from 18 metres that rattled the New Zealand crossbar.

The half-time break provided much-needed relief for an under-the-pump New Zealand side.

Three minutes into the second half, Leat was again required to thwart the Colombians when captain Cataline Usme curled a free kick from the sideline, forcing the ‘keeper to tip the ball onto the bar.

Colombia doubled their lead in the 72nd minute.

First, Ilana Izquierdo shot from 30 metres, the ball rebounding off the New Zealand post. Colombia were quick to reclaim the ball, and a pass across the Ferns area was dummied by Usme, allowing Leicy Santos to fire the ball into the net.

*The Colombians celebrate their second goal.*

Colombia never let up, making late substitutions to keep the pressure on a tiring New Zealand.

On the rare occasions New Zealand were able to get forward, the Colombians defended in numbers.

In the 88th minute, Ferns defender Rebekah Stott produced a moment of individual skill, winning the ball outside the Colombian area and shooting just wide with a fierce volley.

It was the closest the New Zealanders came to finding a goal.

On 90 minutes, when the referee signalled nine minutes of added time, the Colombians substituted Calcedo, allowing the crowd to show their appreciation for an outstanding display of skill and flair by one of the sport’s emerging stars.