Colombia banking on their character to topple England at World Cup
Download the Sports Brief App Now to Stay Updated on Fresh Sports News!
Colombia coach Nelson Abadia is treating their Women's World Cupclash on Saturday against England like a chess game, confident his side's strength of character will carry them through to the semi-finals.
The fourth-ranked European champions will be favourites to win in Sydney, but the South Americans stunned worldnumber two Germany in the group phase and are brimming with confidence.
«We know all the history that England brings in football, it's important,» said Abadia, whose ambitious 25th-ranked side made the last eight for the first time by edging Jamaica 1-0.
«But for me, it's 11 against 11 and the optimism is the same we have for every match.
»There are several variables in any match — technical, tactical, physical," he added.
«But what's important for me is the strength in the team's character and that is going to be vital for what we need to do.»
World Cup win would help fight for better treatment: Jamaica's Swaby
FootballSarina Wiegman's England will head into the game without Chelsea forward Lauren James, who has been banned for two games after stamping on Nigeria's Michelle Alozie in their last-16 clash.
Abadia also has a selection dilemma and must decide whether to keep faith with attacking defender Ana Guzman, who played against Jamaica in place of the suspended Manuela Vanegas.
It was the composed 18-year-old's tournament debut and her wonderful cross set up captain Catalina Usme to score their only goal.
Vanegas is again available, but Abadia said he planned to keep England guessing.
«Football is like chess, you need to know how to move the pieces,» he said.
«We had an opportunity for an 18-year-old to debut at the World Cup and she did
Read on sportsbrief.com
