We're in Australia and the Women's World Cup is on. How could we not go to a game! Even though we couldn't get Australia tickets, and the US is playing in New Zealand, this was still a spectacle to behold.
After driving home after the Yeah Yeah Yeahs last night, it was back on the freeway and into the same parking space for the game next door at the Allianz Stadium (I know it's a completely new stadium, but it will always be the Sydney Football Stadium to me). This time with B, L, Dad and Kathleen in tow.
We got there pretty early and soaked in the atmosphere around the ground. I was confident there would be a good contingent of South Korea fans, but I was really surprised by the amount of Colombians that were there - and in large groups at that.
We got into the stadium pretty easy and watched the Colombian team warm up. Then we made the hike up to our seats. We weren't given a choice when I bought the tickets yesterday, but I thought Row AA would be good. It was actually the 4th last row - way up in the nosebleeds. Oh well! Once I calmed down about the height it was all about enjoying the game.
The crowd around us was evenly supporting South Korea and Colombia, but we chose Colombia, as their national anthem was much more upbeat. The game started evenly with South Korea maybe having a slight advantage. South Korean Son Hwa-Yeon seemed strong on the ball and was causing some problems with movement around the pitch. But in the 30th minute a handball in the box allowed Colombia to take the lead. Catalina Usme sent the keeper the wrong way, and Colombia were fortunate to be up 1-0. Less than 10 minutes later Linda Caicedo got Colombia's second. This time from a mistake by Korean keeper, Yoon Young-Guel. A relatively gentle shot slipped through the keepers hands (above her head) and into the back of the net. You know she's made that save a million times, but at the worst possible moment, it didn't go as planned. I felt bad for her.
After going into the half up 2-0, Colombia came back out and took control of the game. While their attacks weren't completely effective, they killed the game when Korea got the ball, not giving them an inch.
Nearing the end of the game we went down to the exit level and watched injury time closer to the pitch, and were there when the final whistle went. Viva Colombia!
We picked up a World Cup shirt for mom on the way out. Though got nothing for ourselves. A great day had by all and an experience I hope the boys remember for years to come.
Colombia 2- Catalina Usme (30 min penalty), Linda Caicedo (30) defeated South Korea 0
Colombia: C. Perez, D. Arias, J. Carabali, M. Venagas, L. Santos (M. Restrepo 76 min), D. Montoya (D. Ospina Garcia 87 min), L. Bedoya Durango, C. Usme, M. Ramirez, L. Caicedo.
South Korea: Y. Young-Guel, L, Seon-Joo, S. Seo-Yeon, K. Hye-Ri, J. Sel-Gi, C. Hyo-Joo (M, Mi-Ra 88 min), J. So-Yun (P, Eun-Sun 68 min), L. Geum-Min, C. Yu-Ri (C. Phair 78 min), S, Hwa-Yeon (K. Chae-Rim 68 min).
Crowd: 24,323
