Colombia fans target second giant-killing as England's Lionesses stand in way

12 August 2023 , 07:28

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Colombia fans target second giant-killing as England's Lionesses stand in way

A patriotic army of Colombia fans descended on Sydney today for the World Cup quarter-final showdown with England's Lionesses.

Dressed in their country's distinctive yellow kit, cheering and waving flags, they were confident of yet another giant-killing at a tournament where many of the favourites have already gone home. Colombia beat Germany 2-1 in the group stages before the Germans, ranked No 2 in the world, were knocked out.

Supporter Carlos Suarez, 30, a cleaner who travelled from his home in Brisbane for the game, said: "I believe England will be like the Germany game for us. I think that we will win 1-0 and for me, England are not as good as Germany. They are big and tall but the girls from Colombia are tough. Football in South America is more physical and I think we are going to the final."

Carlos was taking in the sights, including the Sydney Opera House. One fan, Linda Lopez, 30, of Bucaramanga, predicted tens of thousands of her fellow countrywomen will turn out to see the team make history.‌

"It is our first time ever in the quarter-final," she said. "They are a tough team, we believe they can do it." There are expected to be around 40,000 Colombia fans in Stadium Australia, boosted by supporters from South American nations including Brazil and Argentina.

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Laura Meirelles, 39, originally from Porto Alegre but now living in Sydney, will be cheering on the 'Coffee Girls'. "My team is out so I am supporting Colombia," she said. "I think this World Cup has been a tremendous success for women's football.

‌ How will Colombia fare against England? Have your say in the comments section

Colombia fans have been enjoying their team's progress (Future Publishing via Getty Imag)

"The stadiums have all been full and the atmosphere is great. It can only be good for the growth of the game." Colombia are just the second South American nation to reach the quarter-finals after Brazil (four times). Coach Nelson Abadia saw five of his players booked in their wins over South Korea and Germany in the group stages.

But he said: "I brought 23 amazing players. When we need them, they will do what they need to do." He said that the side were conscious of representing South America, not just Colombia.

Catalina Usme helped the South Americans set up a clash with England (AP)

Catalina Usme scored a superb goal to take her side through against Jamaica in the last 16 game. Before the tournament, Colombia's friendly against the Republic of Ireland was abandoned amid claims the Irish 'feared for their bodies'.

Video emerged of Denise O'Sullivan going down injured in the behind-closed-doors clash. It ended after just 20 minutes, with Ireland boss Vera Pauw stating afterwards that her players “feared for their bodies”.

The Irish claimed the "overly physical" nature of the game meant they had to leave the pitch and call off the game. Colombia fan Laura Garcia, 30, from the Casanare area of the country, warned England: "That is the way we play in South America. They will be up for the fight."

There are more than 80,000 Colombians living in Australia, and they will be there for the game. Laura added: "Mayra Ramirez, Linda Caicedo and Catalina Perez, our keeper, are very good. We are very excited about this match."

Jeremy Armstrong