FIFA U-17 WOMEN&039;S WORLD CUP – DENMARK AND COLOMBIA ENTERTAIN IN STALEMATE

Colombia and Denmark brought plenty of color and noise to North Harbour Stadium this afternoon as the two sides fought out an intense and exciting 1-1 draw on Match Day Two of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

With 6739 screaming fans in attendance the two sides didn’t disappoint, and the crowd witnessed an exciting free flowing match that contrasted two different styles.

Colombia played with a ‘South American confidence’ and looked comfortable in possession all over the park where Denmark relied on the counter attack, and looked to utilize pacey strikers Pernille Harder and Linette Andreasen at every opportunity.

Tatiana Ariza brought the travelling Colombian army to life in the 20th minute after she was slipped through by Captain Yorely Rincon and expertly drove the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

The goal was just reward for long spells of possession by the Colombians, who seemed to enjoy the cautious approach of the Danish girls.

But the goal woke the Danes up and the threat of Andreasen became apparent when she exposed the Colombian left side four minutes later, terrorizing the left back before sending in an inch perfect cross only to be missed by Amanda Hohol from 12 yards out.

It was Andreasen again who created the only other clear cut scoring chance of the half just before half time. After winning the ball back on the right hand side she whipped in a cross from the right that Katrine Veje could only watch in horror as her half volley sailed over the bar from close range.

The Colombian side looked susceptible to set plays and six minutes after the break they were undone by an inch perfect corner from Pernille Harder. Her driven cross evaded the hands of goalkeeper Paula Forero and sailed into the far corner of the net, with the final touch credited to Simone Boye.

The game threatened to open up following the equalizer and the pace of the Danish attack caused all sorts of problems for the Colombian defence.

Veje, Harder and Andreasen all went close for Denmark but the desperate defending of the Colombian rearguard just managed to do enough to prevent any clear cut chances.

Colombia were awarded a free kick inside the box after 81 minutes when Lene Gissel picked up a backpass from defender Louise Brix. However the attempted quick free kick was spoiled by some sharp Danish defending and the opportunity was soon lost.

Harder had the last opportunity of the match for Denmark breaking free only to rifle her shot high over the bar.

Canada remain top of Group A following last night’s win over New Zealand and will face Colombia in the next match of the group on Saturday November 1 at 1.00pm.

New Zealand will face Denmark at 4.00pm that afternoon in a must win match for the kiwis.

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup – New Zealand 2008

Denmark (0) 1

Colombia (1) 1

North Harbour Stadium

Attendance: 6739

DEN: 1. Lene GISSEL; 3. Line SIGVARDSEN JENSEN (C); 5. Simone BOYE (14. Laerke LILLELUND MICHAELSEN 59’); 6.Louise BRIX; 7. Sofie JUNGE; 8. Katrine VEJE; 9. Britta OLSEN; 10. Amanda HOHOL (18. Michelle MADSEN 79’) 12. Pernille HARDER; 13. Linette ANDREASEN (17. Anne THIRUP RUDMOSE 84’); 20. Nina FRAUSING PEDERSEN;

Substitutes: 2. Line OSTERGAARD; 4. Pernille RAMLOV; 11. Liv HAVGAARD NYHEGN; 16. Esther DAM SIMONSEN; 19. Camilla CHRISTENSEN; 21. Tanja INGEMAN; 15. Tenna KAPPEL;

Yellow cards:

Red cards:

Coach: Bent ERIKSEN (DEN)

COL: 12. Paula FORERO; 3. Natalia GAITAN; 5. Natalia ARIZA; 6. Edna MENDEZ; 9. Ingrid VIDAL; 10. Yorely RINCON (C); 11. Liana SALAZAR; 13. Gaby SANTOS (17. Ana Maria MONTOYA 67’); 15. Tatiana ARIZA; 16. Paola SANCHEZ; 20. Vanessa APONTE;

Substitutes: 1. Maria ECHEVERRI; 2.Lina TABORDA; 4.Diana VELEZ; 7. Nahiomy ORTIZ; 8.Alejandra QUINTERO; 14. Paola BAYONA;; 18. Gabriela HUERTAS; 19. Andrea HERNANDEZ; 21. Stefany CASTANO;

Yellow cards: Vanessa APONTE  41’; Tatijana ARIZA 65’;

Red cards: None

Coach: Pedro Rodriguez (COL)

Referee: Sung Mi CHA (KOR)

Assistant Referee 1: Kyoung Min KIM (KOR)

Assistant Referee 2: Seul Gi LEE (KOR)

4th official: Pannipar KAMNUENG (THA)

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Group A Standings: