Colombia (7) v (6) Kyrgyzstan
Columbia (7) v (6) Kyrgyzstan
By Columbia v Kyrgyzstan
Colombia has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to record a memorable 7-6 victory over Kyrgyzstan. In what was undoubtedly one of the games of the 2008 Homeless World Cup, the South Americans clawed their way back from a 5-6 deficit late in the match, sparking wild celebrations.
The win moves Colombia to second on the Womens Group Stage table, while Kyrgyzstan slides to third position.
Chanting and cheering for each team before play had commenced set an electric atmosphere for the match, which further intensified with every stunning goal.
Kyrgyzstan was first on the scoreboard courtesy of an emphatic effort from star striker Shakhnoza Salikhodzhaeva. But one of the goals of the tournament from Colombian Maryury Ramos levelled the ball game at 1-1. Ramos sent the crowd into a frenzy after chipping a rare header goal with her back to the target. Inspired by her effort, the Colombian team lifted in spirit and rallied to a slender 3-2 half time advantage.
When Ramos completed her hat-trick after just 90 seconds of play in the second half, propelling her side to a 4-2 lead, Colombia looked as though they were ready to pull away for a comfortable victory. But Kyrgyzstan had other ideas, scoring three of the next four goals to open up a one goal lead of its own.
As time drew to a close and crowd chanting reached fever pitch, Colombia raised their game to yet another level. Ramos stood tall under immense pressure to blast home her fourth and fifth goals in the dying seconds, handing her team a win for the ages.
Photos: Photoworx