2018 FIFA under-17 World Cup: Canada register first victory, 3-0 against Colombia
Group D: Canada 3-0 Colombia (Jordyn Huitema 77', Andersen Williams 88', Jessica De Filippo 90+4')
Canada made the most of their opportunities to overcome a spirited Colombian team with a 3-0 win during their fixture at the Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo, Uruguay. They were helped by Andrea Pérez's dismissal after two bookings in an eight-minute span saw German referee Riem Hussein deliver her marching orders.
The match was fairly dull during the early exchanges, with little goalmouth action as both teams struggled to develop any sort of rhythm. Canada's Caitlin Shaw let fly with a spectacular strike from range, which hit the crossbar. The only other chance of note for the Canadians saw Lara Kazandijan's cross misjudged by Michell Lugo. Luckily though, the danger was clear by Kelly Caicedo before striker Andersen Williams could latch onto it.
During a more action-packed second-half, the Powerpuff Girls pressed forward with a one-two combination between Maireth Pérez and Gisela Robledo - seconds before Maya Antoine hauled down Robledo inside the area. A penalty was awarded, but Pérez's effort was denied by an excellent save from Anna Karpenko, who sprung up immediately to thwart the rebound too.
Pérez's dismissal proves costly late on
A reckless challenge by Andrea Pérez on Caitlin Shaw after 69 minutes saw her sent off, leaving her Colombian teammates down to ten players for the final 20 minutes. Maria Reyes' free-kick rattled the crossbar after Karpenko got fingertips to it, leaving Colombian coach Didier Luna fuming on the sidelines.
The Canucks' first goal stemmed from a corner from Shaw, which was met by the towering head of Jordyn Huitema. She rose above both Caicedo and Sara Martínez to head home beyond Lugo, providing her side with a slender lead.
América de Cali midfielder Caicedo delivered an excellent long-range strike, which rattled the crossbar for the second time during a match that continued to intensify.
Huitema's deft lob pass into Kaila Novak's path saw the latter force Lugo into another save, which was partially clear. Laura Marcelo's mistimed clearance allowed Andersen Williams an easy opportunity to drill the loose ball into the back of an empty net.
Jessica De Filippo showed supreme control and admirable composure as she sidestepped chasing defenders before launching the ball towards the top corner beyond Lugo's best efforts to secure all three points for the Reds.