At 18:55 local time, Akhona Makalima’s whistle crashed countless players to the Alajuela turf. Multiple Mexicans cried tears of ecstasy as they wildly celebrated quarterfinal progression.
Their German victims looked desolate at having lost the nation’s unique record of having reached the knockout phase of every Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Simultaneously, Colombians – particularly Yirleidys Minota, who left them at a numerical disadvantage for over a half – breathed a sigh of relief at a 2-2 draw with New Zealand that sealed them first place in group B.
A few hours later, the Spaniards and the Brazilians both registered thumping victories to saunter through in style.
Mexico will now aim to slay another giant in Spain, while Colombia and Brazil will clash for a semifinal spot.
Memorable moments
Mexican saviours
Selina Vobian raced through on goal early into the second half and seemed destined to score, only for Celeste Espino to courageously fling herself at the German’s feet and halt the danger – albeit temporarily. Laureta Elmazi’s shot seconds later was heading in until the Mexico goalkeeper tipped it around the post magnificently. Five minutes later, Alexia Villanueva scored the unanswered volley that ensured El Tri advanced at the expense of their illustrious opponents.
The Colombian thrill factory
People still rave about the performances of Marta at Canada 2002, Megan Rapinoe at Thailand 2004, and Alex Popp at Germany 2010. They’re certain to do the same in years to come about Linda Caicedo in Costa Rica. The 17-year-old decorated another electrifying performance with a brace that included a goal of the tournament contender. Caicedo also ran herself into the ground but, when the No 11 went up on the sidelines, signalling she was about to get a rest, she gave coach Carlos Paniagua a long stare of disbelief!
The goal heavens open
Spain and Brazil both had to make sure of victory first. Once all but accomplished, it was down to goal difference to determine who would finish top of Group A. A Seleção were three goals worse off at the day’s start, but gave it a real go, with a Rafa Levis double inspiring a win. Unfortunately for the Brazilians, Inma Gabarro’s hat-trick propelled the Spaniards to a 3-0 victory, which proved enough – just – to go through in first place.
Stats
28 - Twenty-eight full matches had been played at the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup without a hat-trick until Inma Gabarro registered one in Alajuela. The last had been Riko Ueki’s for Japan against Paraguay in the group stage in 2018, which astonishingly came just one minute after her teammate Saori Takarada complete her own treble.
4 - Costa Rica have conceded four penalties at this tournament – more than a team ever has at one edition of the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Quotes
“We are here to become champions, to make history. Perhaps not many believe in Colombian football, but we have an excellent team that can do it.” Linda Caicedo, Colombia winger
“We always believed we had a chance against Germany. Of course, we were a bit nervous, but we were the better team overall. The lead gave us confidence, but we should have followed it up. We had chances. We had to tremble until the end, but we are happy to still be in the tournament.” Ana Galindo, Mexico coach
“We’re very happy. It’s been a long time since Brazil were so consistent in the first phase. Having various players score also gives confidence to the squad. It was a secret target for us for have several players on the score sheet.” Jonas Urias, Brazil coach
