Colombia made history this Saturday in Moncton by achieving their first victory in a World Cup and against none other than France, one of the favorites. The 'cafeteras' completed a great game, took the lead in the 19th minute through Andrade, after a masterful pass from their star player, Yoreli Rincón, and unleashed madness in the last few minutes of the match by scoring the definitive 0-2 in injury time, through Usme. France was not awarded a penalty in the 67th minute for a handball by Montoya.
Colombia was the team that shone this Saturday in Moncton against a France that arrived as the favorite. France, known for their great possession game and the quality of their players, started dominating the first 10 minutes. Philippe Bergeroo's team created chances through the wings, exploiting the depth of Dali, the quality of Necib, and the presence of Le Sommer.
French effectiveness quickly gave way to Colombian efficiency and in just 10 minutes, the outlook of the match completely changed. Colombia took the lead in the 19th minute through Andrade and the goal gave them wings. They began to take the initiative and with a magnificent Nataly Arias in defense, they started weaving the great victory of the Colombians.
Colombia also relied on the great performance of their goalkeeper Sandra Sepúlveda, crucial in stopping the most prominent opportunities from the French. One of them, Le Sommer's chance in the 41st minute, came just before halftime.
In the beginning of the second half, France tried to regain their ground. They didn't succeed. Taborda brought in Usme, who replaced Vidal. Striker for striker. Where the bench did move was in France. Delie, Henry, and Lavogez substituted three heavyweights, Dali, Bussaglia, and Necib. The French tried relentlessly and in the 67th minute, a handball by Montoya in the box was not awarded a penalty by the Chinese referee, Liang Qin.
France pressed in the last few minutes, but Colombia's ambition led them to the second goal, after the goalkeeper Bouhaddi's disastrous pass. It was the last minute of injury time and Colombia pushed their ambition to the last breath. With Bouhaddi out of position, Usme received a long pass and scored the second goal with a cross shot. Then madness erupted and Colombia celebrated their victory against France as if it were a victory in a grand final. Now, they wait, closer now, for the round of 16.