by Emily Wyatt (15/7/24)
Above: Colombia, who are looking to repeat their superb World Cup run at the Olympics. Photo: The City Paper Bogotá.
Colombia, also known as the Las Chicas Superpoderosas or the Las Cafeteras are returning to the Olympics after missing out last time round. Given their superb performances at the World Cup last year, they will fancy their chances of a push for a medal.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Catalina Perez, Katherine Tapia.
Defenders: Carolina Arias, Daniela Caracas, Manuela Vanegas, Jorelyn Carabali, Daniela Arias, Angela Baron, Yirleidis Minota.
Midfielders: Daniela Montoya, Leicy Santos, Marcela Restrepo, Liana Salazar, Ilana Izquierdo.
Forwards: Catalina Usme, Linda Caicedo, Manuela Pavi, Mayra Ramirez.
Alternate Players (can only be called up if any players above are injured): Sandra Sepúlveda (GK), Lady Andrade (MF), Maria Camilia Reyes (MF), Wendy Bonilla (MF).
Head coach
The head coach, Angelo Marsiglia, has been in the managerial role since October 2023 after Nelson Abadía Aragón, who guided the team so successfully at the World Cup left, after being in charge since 2014.
Before making the jump into the head coach role in 2023, the 38-year-old was already a part of the coaching staff who reached the final of the South America tournament, Copa America 2022, with Colombia who placed as runners-up behind champions Brazil. In addition to this, he was also part of the coaching staff who saw Colombia making it to the quarterfinals of last summer’s Womens World Cup.
Marsiglia is a young manager who makes it clear that his team “always want to win”. He played football himself from 12 and ended up in the lower division of America de Cali and in the Primera B where he became a Valle national team champion. However, after his success on the pitch he eventually hung up his boots and began to take coaching more seriously. He began to coach the women’s and men’s university teams and ever since then, he has worked his way up the ranks which has left him where he is today.
Olympic History
In previous Olympic tournaments, Colombia participated in both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games.
At London, the Las Cafeteras didn’t manage to pick up any points their group stage after suffering three defeats, one being a 3-0 loss against the champions of the competition, USA. The other two defeats were seen against France and North Korea that led to an immediate group stage exit. This left the side placing 11th in the competition.
Similarly, at Rio 2016, the story was very similar for Las Chicas where they made another group stage exit. However, they did gain one point this time round after a 2-2 draw against the USA and two defeats against New Zealand and France. This once again left them placing 11th in the 2016 version of the competition.
Qualification
Las Cafeteras qualified for Paris 2024 after making it to the final of the Copa America 2022 against Brazil. The side won by 1-0 against Argentina in the Semi-Finals of the South American tournament and despite losing 2-0 to Brazil in the final that was enough to qualify for Paris 2024.
Strengths
Colombia’s main strength in the way that they play is undoubtedly their high-energy style of football and with a powerful frontline. As a result of this, they have the capability of scoring a number of goals. Whoever they play, they put up a heck of a fight – as England discovered during their World Cup Quarter-Final tie in Sydney.
Development Areas
Colombia can sometimes struggle to retain possession. This can be down to a lack of regular exposure to the best quality players and opponents regularly among some of their players.
Key Players
Catalina Usme is a passionate and skillful player who has a record-breaking number of appearances as well as being the top goal scorer for her country. The 34-year-old forward has made appearances for Colombia in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups as well as the 2012 and 2016 Olympics where she scored twice, enabling her team to draw against the USA. Usme will surely be expected to go into this Olympic tournament to create further success for her country.
Daniela Montoya, 33, is the captain. The midfielder represented her country at the 2011, 2015, and 2023 World Cup and the 2012 Olympics. She has over 60 caps and has contributed hugely to her country’s success. In addition to her footballing achievements, she has also played a big part in ensuring her team has equal rights and fair treatment.
One to watch
Linda Caicedo, a survivor of Ovarian cancer, found herself in the spotlight last year after scoring in Colombia’s opening game against South Korea. At only 18 years old, she found herself making history by being the second youngest player to score in a World Cup just behind the Brazilian, Marta. The now 19-year-old is currently playing for the Spanish side, Real Madrid, where the forward has scored eight goals up till now.
Success would be
Despite being placed into a challenging group, the Colombians will be expecting to make it into the knockout stages. After having a good run-up towards this summer Olympics and a superb World Cup, they and their country will be expecting to play for success in this tournament.
Prediction
This will be a challenging group to top, especially coming up against hosts France, but I expect them to have more than enough to make Quarter-Finals at least.
Fixtures
25th July, Colombia v France, 9pm, Groupama Stadium, Lyon.
28th July, Colombia v New Zealand, 5pm Groupama Stadium, Lyon.
31st July, Colombia v Canada, 9pm, Allianz Riviera, Nice.
All kick-off times are French time.
Missed any of Impetus’ other Olympic Nation Guides? Catch up by clicking below!
CANADA: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/13/olympics-preview-canada-2/
FRANCE: https://impetusfootball.org/2024/07/14/olympics-preview-france/
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