Sydney, July 31 - Colombia's dramatic 2-1 win over two-time world champions Germany in Sydney was one of the biggest surprises of the FIFA Women's World Cup being held in Australia and New Zealand.
But the South American country of Colombia also set new standards for fans at the global showpiece on Sunday. The most recent census showed that there are only about 38 people born in Colombia living in Australia. And it looked like every single one of them was at the Sydney Football Stadium for the game against Germany. Almost all in yellow jerseys, Colombians began gathering outside the neighboring cricket ground hours before kick-off, blowing horns, playing drums and waving the country's tricolor flag.
A passionate rendition of the Colombian national anthem set the tone for the evening with near-constant cheers and whistles culminating when Manuela Vanegas scored the winner in extra time.
"It's very exciting to have Colombia here in Sydney, on the other side of the world," said Colombia fan Sol Molinares. "It was unbelievable. The girls played very well. This is my Colombia. This is my Colombia. I'm happy and let's see what happens next. I think we will win the World Cup. I am sure. We are playing super well."
Colombia assistant coach Angelo Marsiglia, fresh from wild post-match celebrations, said it felt like they were playing at home. According to him, the entire stadium was filled with Colombians, who encouraged the team to defeat Germany in the group stage.
"We have constantly felt the support of the fans, both before and after the match. It was something extraordinary", said Marsiglia.
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Even the coach of Germany, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, admitted that the atmosphere created in the stands had an impact on her players. Voss-Tecklenburg said that they did not expect to be defeated by Colombia, considering that Germany is second in the FIFA ranking, while Colombia is 27th.
"We tried to play well, but I'm sure the atmosphere was the deciding factor why we didn't win this game. It was a wonderful atmosphere. I don't know where all the Colombian fans came from. They were really a great crowd and for that I compliment them. It was not easy for our players to play in that atmosphere", she said.
Colombia play Morocco in their final group stage match on Thursday in Perth. Only losing by more than eight goals would eliminate them in the group stage. Currently, Colombia is first in Group H with six points collected after two games played. Germany and Morocco hold positions two and three with three points each, while South Korea is last with no points.
