Colombia Breeze Into Semi Over Macedonia (GFWC Quarter Final Match 59)

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July 7th, 2018 (GFWC Quarter Final Match 59)

Colombia Breeze Into Semi Over Macedonia

Colombia 2-1 Macedonia

 

Two goals inside 20 minutes see Colombia secure a Semi Final berth after disposing of Macedonia.

 

Before the game, Colombia brought in Mojica at left back. Macedonia made no changes, apart from Shikov replacing Velkoski.

 

Macedonia’s tactic in the first ten minutes was to hold on to possession and not allow Colombia access to the ball. This worked in Colombia’s favour, as they sat back and waited to counter when the opportunity arose.

 

Despite Alioski making a run from left back and having his semi-shot saved, it was Colombia who had the greatest opportunity to score first. A poor pass in midfield meant Falcao was clear on goal. Bogatinov rushed out to meet him and managed to close his body around the ball to prevent a goal.

 

His best efforts, though, could not halt Colombia’s first. Cuadrado managed to head a corner ball towards goal, where Falcao picked up the ball and shot across goal, only for defender Stjepanovikj to kick it off the line. The ball hit the back of Bacca and rose perfectly to Falcao, who ensured his header was forceful enough to beat Bogatinov.

 

Falcao nearly had a second, but was called offside after his shot hit the post. Then, ten minutes after the first goal, Cuadrado crossed the ball in from right wing. Falcao and Shikov challenged for the ball, of which the latter managed to stop the Colombian striker from making effective contact. Rodriguez headered for the far left of goal and the ball snuck inside the post. Colombia indeed had goal number two.

 

It seemed Macedonia had played their ace game in the previous match and were lethargic for long periods in the first half. Two more shots occurred for the half, with the Macedonian shot easily saved and Colombia’s to fly over the bar.

 

Maecdonia woke up somewhat in the second half and created more chances. Shikov worked down the right midfield and crossed the ball in, only for Ospina to catch it. Then, Trajchevski found Pandev with a through ball. Pandev manueovred around Mina and streaked for goal. As Ospina rushed out, Pandev slotted home the goal, his third for the tournament, and gave Macedonia hope at stunning yet another South American side.

 

Colombia switched to a more defensive structure to hold their lead, but also attacked where possible. Cuadrado’s shot needed Bogatinov’s saving prowess, while a soft Rodriguez shot was easy pickings for the Macedonian keeper. Soon after, Macedonia headed down the other end and Ospina kept out a fine shot by substitute Petrovikj. 

 

That would be Macedonia’s final advance due to fatigue and possible injuries, for Colombia had the final three attacking chances. The first was a Rodriguez shot half-blocked before dribbling to Bogatinov. The second needed a Macedonian defensive clearance off the line, before Mojica had the final shot of the game, on target but straightforward for Bogatinov.

 

Colombia won the game 2-1 and a place in the Semi Finals against the winner of Spain and Germany. Now the last South American side in the competition, Colombia will feel slightly added pressure. This is compounded by the fact their previous opponents, Cyprus and Macedonia, are not of the same calibre as Spain or Germany. Still, they have the team to pull off a win, provided all players follow the likes of Carlos Sánchez and Man of the Match Rodriguez’s in their work ethic. 

 

Macedonia will feel a true sense of accomplishment, having made the Quarter Finals whilst dealing with Chile and Ecuador. Though they could not beat a third South American team, they know they have the gameplay that will see them into the future. Their next games are against New Zealand in the Invitational Cup, before a Nations League campaign to rise above Level “C” where they feel they truly belong in European circles: rivalling the likes of Germany, Spain, England, Denmark and Italy.

 

Colombia	2-1		Macedonia
11 6 45 17 1 2 54 82	Shots Shots on Target Possession % Tackles Fouls Corners Shot Accuracy % Pass Accuracy %		5 4 55 13 1 1 80 88
10’ #9 Falcao  20’ #10 Rodriguez (#11 Cuadrado assist)          65’ #20 Quintero off, #5 Uribe on  84’ #9 Falcao off, #21 Izquierdo on  86’ #11 Cuadrado off, #13 Murillo on		41’ #13 Ristovski off, #2 Musliu on  45’ #11 Hasani off, #20 Spirovski on  53’ #17 Stjepanovikj off, #8 Petrovikj on  56’ #10 Pandev (#7 Trajchevski assist)