Match Day 2 of the Paris Olympics sees New Zealand take on Colombia in Group A, with both teams coming off the back of a loss.
The Football Ferns opening game saw a 2-1 defeat to current gold medallists Canada, but a positive performance from Aston Villa goalkeeper Anna Leat allowed them to spend most of the first half ahead before conceding an equaliser.
A stunning finish, scraping the underside of the cross bar, from Wellington Phoenix defender Mackenzie Barry gave the Ferns the lead just before the 15-minute mark; the chance coming from a well-placed corner.
Colombia looked to have been counted out of their opening game when the half-time score read 3-0 to hosts France, however, a penalty ten minutes into the second half and another goal ten minutes after put them in a better position to earn some points.
Unfortunately, after a VAR review, Mayra Ramirez received a straight red card for a reckless challenge in the 82nd minute, and Colombia finished the game 3-2 and down to ten.
The History
New Zealand and Colombia played each other twice in 2023, both in friendly matches, one 1-0 Colombian win and another 0-0 draw.
The teams also faced each other in the 2016 Rio Olympics, a game which ended in a 1-0 victory to the Ferns.
Colombia are ranked 22nd in the FIFA World Rankings, and celebrated a successful World Cup campaign last year; and striker Ramirez became the British record signing upon her move to Chelsea in January 2023.
New Zealand rank close behind them in 28th and are aiming to prove themselves as a wild card at these Olympics with a refreshed squad who proved they could compete at the top in their last game.
They’ll be looking to pick up some points and advance past the group stages for the second time as a nation.
The game will kick off tonight (28 July) at 4pm BST.
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