Colombia stun Germany at World Cup but New Zealand out in tears

AFP-Colombiascoreda 97th-minute winner to stun Germany 2-1 on a night of Women’s World Cup drama yesterday which also saw Norway and Switzerland into the last 16 but co-hosts NewZealanddumpedoutin tears.

Germany smashed Morocco 6-0 in their opener to underline why they were among the pre-tournament favourites, along with Spain andEngland,tosnatchaway theUnitedStates’crown.

But they came crashing back down to earth at the hands of a Colombia side inspired by 18-year-old LindaCaicedoandroaredon by the majority of a rowdy 40,000crowdinSydney

The Real Madrid attacker scored one of the bestgoalsofthetournament so far, darting past two Germany defenders before curling the ball into the top cornertoopenthescoring.

Germany thought they had salvaged a point in the 89th minute when skipper Alexandra Popp defied the whistles to score from the penaltyspot.

But with a pulsating gamethatdeepintostoppage timeappeareddestinedfora draw, Manuela Vanegas popped up to head home from close range and put Colombiaonthevergeofthe last16.

“Germany is a world power, that’s a reality, but Colombia has been making great strides and today Colombiaisaworldpower,” saidthedefenderVanegas.

“I dreamed of scoring a goalinaWorldCup,Iknew it was going to come and I decided to do it for today’s game.” Going into the last round of group matches,

ColombiaaretopofGroupH on six points, Germany and Morocco have three and SouthKoreahavezero.

Germany’s fate is still in their own hands when they face the Koreans next, with ColombiaagainstMorocco.

M o r o c c o w o n a Women’s World Cup match for the first time after Ibtissam Jraidi struck early to give them a 1-0 victory overSouthKorea.

In the match, Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina became the first player to wearahijabattheWomen’s WorldCup.

- Norway through, New Zealandout-

NorwayandSwitzerland both emerged out of an excruciatingly tight Group A.

Former champions Norway thrashed the Philippines 6-0 inAuckland