Colombia Edge Argentina on penalties to reach Copa America Final –

Host Nation Colombia achieved their place in the final of Copa América Femenina after beating Argentina 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout after a 0-0 semi-final draw on Monday evening.

The victory, sealed for a passionate home crowd in the Estadio Alfonso López, guarantees Colombia a place in both the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the FIFA World Cup 2023 in Australia and Nieuw -Zeeland.

After 90 minutes of scoreless football, the tie was decided from the penalty spot. Colombian goalkeeper Katherine Tapia made a crucial salvation to deny Argentina’s Paulina Gramaglia, but the benefit was immediately destroyed when Colombia’s Mayra Ramirez hit the bar. With the shootout forced in sudden death, Wendy Bonilla converted the sixth attempt by Colombia Koel. The pressure then fell in the Eliana Stabile of Argentina, whose shot of the bar was gun and wild parties caused the Colombian players and fans.

“We are finalists and we came qualified for the Olympic Games … That was our goal,” said a jubilant Tapia after the game. “We are prepared for the final.”

Argentina had started the meeting clearly, with Florencia Bonegundo and Yamila Rodriguez who tested the Colombian defense, but they found Tapia in formidable form. Colombia grew in the game, with Ramirez, Leicy Santos and teenage star Linda Caicedo in research for an opening, but the Argentinian back line held.

In the second half, Colombia saw their pressure increasing, with the clearest chance that descended to Valerin Loboa, whose point-light effort was achieved with a spectacular rescue by Argentina goalkeeper Solana Pereyra.

The match also contained the first use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the tournament. In the stop time, the referee assessed a potential fine claim after a challenge about the Manuela Pavi of Colombia in the area, but eventually ruled against awarding a Spot kick.

Colombia will now be confronted with eternal favorites and defending champions Brazil in the final on Saturday. Brazil moved forward after beating Paraguay 2-0 in the other semi-final.

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