Before the World Cup began, Columbia played a behind closed doors friendly against Ireland in Brisbane. It was an opportunity for both teams to tune up before their first game in the group stages. The friendly was abandoned by Ireland after 20 minutes, due to exceptionally rough play from Columbia.
So it went for England in the first half of their quarterfinal match-up against Columbia. Las Cafeteras were as physical as their reputation indicated, particularly right back Ana Guzman, who inexplicably escaped being carded despite two heavy tackles within minutes of each other.
England had more chances in the first half, but Columbia went into halftime with a 1-0 lead after an audacious chip from Athletico Madrid’s Leicy Santos.