The Colombian girls made history on Wednesday by making it to the finals of the U-17 Women's World Cup by defeating Nigeria in the tie-breaker (6-5) after the match ended in a goalless draw.
Till the 23rd minute of the first half, Nigeria had more ball possession than the Colombians, but there were no serious attempts at each others' goals.
However, in the 26th minute, Colombian captain Linda Caicedo made a swift move, but Yesica Munoz could not capitalise and shot wide when she had a clear shot at the goal.
Again, in the 27th minute, Caicedo made inroads but there was not much headway. In the 28th minute, Colombia almost scored from a free kick but the long shot taken by midfielder Espitaleta Mary hit the crossbar. The ball, however, rebounded and went to Yessica Munoz who failed to capitalise.
In the 35th minute, Quintero Orianna got a chance to score after Caicedo broke the Nigerian defence to make it easy for the former to score, but Nigerian goalkeeper Omilana Faith averted the danger.
In the second half, Nigeria almost scored in the 52nd minute but Colombian goalkeeper Agudelo Luisa stood like a rock.
The second half saw Colombians having major control of the ball, but failed to breach the Nigerian citadel. In the 78th minute, Caicedo of Colombia moved dangerously inside the penalty area after dribbling past Nigerian defence but her close-range shot from a difficult angle was intercepted by Omilana, the Nigerian keeper.
While Caicedo controlled both the right and left flanks, Munoz stayed effective on the right creating inroads into the Nigerian defence.
Though Colombians created more chances, the score sheet remained goalless after 90 minutes of play.
In the tie-breaker, Nigerian goalkeeper, Jiwuaku Chikamso, who came in place of Omilana, saved the third penalty kick of Yessica Munoz, but Nigerian Edafe Omamuzo hit the post when they could have scored and won 5-4.
On the 6th attempt, Nigeria's Folorunho Comfort's shot was saved by goalkeeper Agudelo Luisa sending the Colombians into celebratory mode for making it to the first U-17 Women's World Cup final.
In the tie-breaker, Gabriela Rodriguez, Perllaza Stefania, Espitaleta Mary, Linda Caicedo, Ortegon Juana and Natalia Hernandez scored for Colombia and for Nigeria, Offiong Odet, Etim Edidiong, Usani Miracle, Afolabi Taiwo and Oyinlola Shakirat were on target.
Colombian goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo was adjudged player of the match for taking her team to a historic final either with Spain or Germany on October 30 (Sunday).