Spain survive Colombia scare in Olympic women's football quarter-final

BeSoccer 10 months ago 2.6k |

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Aitana Bonmati converted the decisive kick in the shoot-out. AFP

World Cup holders Spain survived a major scare before beating Colombia on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the Olympic women's football on Saturday.

Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati converted the decisive kick in the shoot-out as Spain beat Colombia 4-2 on penalties after their quarter-final tie in Lyon had finished 2-2 at the end of extra time. Spain now advance to a semi-final on Tuesday in Marseille against either hosts France or Brazil, who meet later.

Spain are going for gold in their first appearance in the Olympic women's football, but they were moments away from being eliminated after falling 2-0 behind to the South Americans. Mayra Ramirez fired Colombia ahead early on and Leicy Santos doubled their lead early in the second half after a Linda Caicedo shot was saved.

Jennifer Hermoso pulled a goal back in the 79th minute for the world champions, who were then rescued when captain Irene Paredes turned in a Salma Paralluelo cross in the seventh minute of injury time. That meant extra time, and no further goals led to penalties.

Captain Catalina Usme's first kick for Colombia was saved, while Liana Salazar missed her attempt as Spain scored all four of their efforts from the spot to go through.