The Colombian women’s team will hope to cap off a fantastic year in front of their home nation with a win over New Zealand in the first of two friendlies the two teams will play in the Colombian capital.
The match will be played at the El Camp Stadium in Bogotá, where the ‘Coffee Makers’ come after winning nine warm-up duels to advance to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Achieved two wins, four draws and three losses.
For this year’s farewell, coach Angelo Marsiglia in charge will not have his ideal figure, forward Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid), or promising full-back Ana Maria Guzmán from Bayern Munich.
However, the people of Bogotá will see other members of the team on the pitch at El Camp, such as Werder Bremen’s goalkeeper Catalina Perez; full-back Manuela Vanegas from Real Sociedad; center back Jorelyn Caraballi from Brighton, captain Daniela Montoya from Atletico Nacional; The team’s all-time top scorer, Catalina Usme, and striker Maira Ramirez, Levante.
Likewise, Atletico de Madrid’s midfielder Lecy Santos will be another star of the team.
Photo: FCF
Both sports will provide a ‘tricolor’ to prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Women’s Gold Cup between February and March next year.
“We’re focused on finishing the year, we’re tired after the World Cup, but we have the Gold Cup in February, so we’ll keep working to get the best out of that tournament,” said Mera Ramirez.
This is how New Zealand came about:
Coached by Czech national Jitka Klimkova, New Zealand travel to Bogotá with a 24-man roster led by defenders Katie Bowen from Inter Milan and veteran Ali Riley and midfielder Betsy Hassett from Angel City, USA. , from the Icelandic stjernen.
Attacker Hannah Wilkinson will be unavailable due to suspension.
“After a historic and special 2023, our focus turns to the next cycle, putting the team in the best possible position to qualify for the Olympic Games.” Klimjova was quoted as saying by the New Zealand Football Report.
The tactician also called up midfielder Macy Fraser for the first time from New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix; Forward Katie Kitching, from Sunderland, and attacker Ruby Nathan, from Australia’s Canberra United.
“The games against Colombia will be a good test for us. Our players should be exposed to the challenge of playing against the South American style of play, which will help us grow as a team.” Added Oceanic Team Coach.
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