It’s not the gold medal that Colombia’s energetic fans wanted. But Colombia won their first medal in more than 20 years by beating France to finish third at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile.
With more than 20,000 fans settling into their seats, Colombia took the lead in the second minute of play, as Oscar Perea capitalized on a France turnover outside the area.
Perea continued to make dashing runs down the left side of the pitch and either win corners or dance cumbia around French defenders on a steamy and overcast afternoon in Santiago.
Les Bleuets roared back on attack, and their defenders kept Colombian striker Neyser Villareal, who scored three goals against Spain, away from the net. But France couldn’t tie the game.
Colombia kept the play safely in mid-field and by the touch line for much of the early second half, which drew whistles from the crowd. There were a lot of fouls, throw-ins and goal kicks.
Colombia looked set to go up 2-0 after Royner Benitez picked Elyaz Zidane’s pocket. But he missed a glorious chance to score by blasting a shot over the crossbar.
Given a lifeline, France thought they had won a penalty kick when Lucas Michal went down in the box. But the decision was reversed on review — no penalty.
Playing with desperation, Ilane Toure struck a post, and France crowded the area with everyone on the field.
But Colombia hung over to win bronze.
words and images Christopher Johnson Globalite Media all rights reserved
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