Colombia took on the FIFA World Cup winner's in the second quarter-final match of the day.
The first meeting between the sides did not disappoint, as many believed Spain could be exiting the competition early.
First Half:
The match started fast with Columbia being able to maintain a strong amount of possession, but both sides held the ability to match each other's intensity.
The first corner of the game came from Vanegas after she successfully blocked Mariona Caldentey's first shot on target. Alexia Putellas stood to take the corner but no Spanish heads were able to find it. Colombia defended well, clearing the ball out of the penalty box, but it didn't take long before the ball fell back at the feet of Spanish players.
A long strike from Salma Paralluelo forced Colombian goalkeeper Tapia into a unanticipated save.
Colombia pushed ahead as they scored the first goal of the game in the 12th minute. With Alexia Putellas outnumbered and against the run of play, Columbia were able to creep up from behind with Ramirez making a direct run into the penalty box before scoring the goal with pinpoint accuracy.
There was a brief pause in play during the 44th minute of the game as Colombian winger Pavi goes down injured. Physio administered treatment to her hamstring which appeared to already be taped, but she was shortly stretchered off the pitch before being replaced by Izquierdo.
At the end of the first half, there was an additional eight minutes added on, which meant there was eight minutes for Spain to equalise so they could start with a clean slate in the second half. Spain put more and more pressure onto the Colombian defence, desperate to get an equaliser. It was not to be and Colombia go into the second half with a goal advantage.
Second half:
The second half started well for Spain after Bonmati almost claimed an equaliser. A left-footed shot from outside the box was close but narrowly missed the top corner.
Colombia continued to highlight their skill and accuracy as they seemed to be professionals at intercepting the small neat Spanish passes.
The first substitution of the match was for Spain, Guijarro out for Abelleira. But, just as the substitution was made it went from bad to worse for Spain in the 52nd minute. Caicedo was able to make a run through to the Spanish half and made a shot on target, but Coll reached to deflect the ball. The ball fell at the feet of Santos who made a left-footed shot, gracing the back of the net. Spain were now 2 nil down.
One noticeable asset that Spain seemed to be lacking within this game was their precision and accuracy within set pieces. Many chances could've been created from set pieces had Spain utilised them with grace.
Another close shot came from Colombia in the 77th minute as Ramirez broke ahead with 3 Spanish defenders tailing her. A lack of power meant the ball fell straight at the feet of Coll who was able to capture it before any more damage was made to the Spanish defeat.
Columbia were caught out of position by Jenni Hermoso in the 78th minute. A cross from Ona Batlle met Paralluelo who managed to make contact sending the ball towards Coll. The goalkeeper palmed it away, but not before Hermoso's natural goalscoring ability kicked in as she graced the back of the net with her 57th goal for Spain.
An additional 10 minutes of stoppage time was granted and Colombia were doing everything they could to continue holding onto their lead, but as tired legs kicked in, they appeared to be struggling with the pressure that Spain were putting on them. Carabali clattered into her own goalkeeper which led to Columbia fearing the worst with a substitution in the 93rd minute.
In the 7th minute of stoppage time, Paredes gained the all important equaliser that meant Spain still had a chance to remain in the competition. A right-footed shot from the centre of the box whizzed past Cata Coll and headed straight for the centre of the net.
The last minute equaliser meant the game went to extra time. An additional 30 minutes was set to be played.
Extra Time and Penalty Shoot-Outs:
It started off the same way the match ended, with Spain pushing to score another one and the Colombia defence struggling to keep Spain at bay.
No chances emerged within the first 15 minutes.
The second half of extra time began and Spain seemed to be short on ideas when they are facing the goal with similar mistakes appearing once again. Paredes was able to get a shot off, but it was marvellously saved by Tapia.
An additional four minutes of added time were played, but neither team were able to capitalise on this chance.
Penalties would be the deciding factor on which team faced Brazil in the semi-finals.
Columbia step up to take the first penalty, with captain Usme standing first. Her attempt is saved by the Spanish goal keeper who manages to block the tired shot aimed in the bottom left corner.
Next up was Caldentey who sent the keeper the wrong way, giving Spain a goal advantage.
Vanegas was next to step up, sending Coll the wrong direction, resulting in a goal from the 12-yard mark.
Eva Navarro steps up for Spain following the same tactic as Caldentey, sending the ball into the left corner of the net.
Salazar steps up for Colombia but faces an unfortunate fate when the ball glides off the cross bar and into the crowds. Spain now have a two-goal advantage.
Paralluelo is next to stand for Spain and scores.
Carabali stood to take the final penalty for Colombia, and is successful. Their success now relies on Bonmati missing.
Bonmati sends the ball towards the hands of Tapia but a lack of contact from the goalkeeper means the Spaniard's shot crosses the line.
Spain end the fixture victorious and are now set to play Brazil in the semi-finals of the 2024 Olympic tournament.
Starting XIs:
Spain: 13 Coll (gk), 2 Batlle, 4 Paredes(C) ,14 Aleixandri, 18 Olga, 12 Guijarro, 6 Bonmati, 11 Putellas , 7 del Castillo, 9 Paralluelo, 8 Caldentey
Columbia: 9 Ramirez,18 Caicedo, 10 Santos, 7 Pavi, 11 Usme(C), 8 Restrepo, 2 Vanegas,16 Carabali, 3 Arias,17 Arias,12 Tapia (GK)
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