Photo credit: Matt McNulty – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Image

Despite their best efforts, Colombia have comfortably dispatched New Zealand’s women’s team with a goal in each half to complete a 2-0 win.

The stakes were clear in Lyon in this morning’s Group A match, with a win for either side putting them in a strong position to progress to the Olympic quarter finals.

This game was always targeted by the Ferns as their best opportunity for points and possible progression, and with the news that their opening game opponents Canada had their head coach sent home and were to be docked six points after being caught spying with a drone on the New Zealand training sessions, reinforced this scenario.

Head Coach Michael Mayne made just the one change to his starting XI, with Jacqui Hand starting in place of roommate Grace Jale up front. Macey Fraser, who picked up an ankle injury at the end of the opening game against Canada, was not included in the matchday squad, with alternate player and Ferns centurion Annalie Longo her replacement.

Colombia, who narrowly lost to tournament hosts France in their Olympic opener, were without forward Mayra Ramirez of Chelsea, as she served a suspension for a straight red card.

The first half was marked by a fascinating duel between Colombian star Linda Caicedo and CJ Bott down the Ferns’ right-hand side, with the tough-tackling Bott keeping the Real Madrid forward reasonably well-marshalled.

But it was from the opposite flank that Colombia took the lead in the 27th minute thanks to a brilliant volley from Marcela Restrepo. Lurking on the edge of the Ferns penalty area, the midfielder took advantage of a packed and confused post-corner penalty area to bury her shot past Anna Leat at the far post.

Despite the Ferns putting in an improved performance against the South Americans, they again struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities, too often giving the ball away as they looked to transition into attack. 

Colombia’s second goal in the 72nd minute put the game to bed, as Leicy Santos finished a fine team effort that pulled the Ferns defence apart shortly after Restrepo hit the upright.

The Ferns’ best opportunity of the match came out of nothing in the 89th minute, as Rebekah Stott juggled the ball in a similar space to Restrepo’s opener, but her volley flashed just wide of Katherine Tapia’s goal.

The Ferns face France on Thursday at 7am NZT Lyon in their final Group A game.

New Zealand: 0
Colombia: 2 (Marcela RESTREPO 27’, Leicy SANTOS 72’)

HT: 0-1