World Cup holders Spain survived a major scare before beating Colombia on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the Olympic women’s football on Saturday, following the United States’ narrow victory over Japan.
Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati converted the decisive kick in the shoot-out, leading Spain to a 4-2 penalty victory after their quarter-final tie in Lyon ended 2-2 at the end of extra time.
Spain will face Brazil in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Marseille after Brazil defeated host nation France 1-0 in extra time.
Spain, aiming for gold in their first Olympic women’s football appearance, were close to elimination after falling 2-0 behind to the South Americans. Mayra Ramirez fired Colombia ahead early, and Leicy Santos doubled their lead early in the second half after a Linda Caicedo shot was saved.
Jennifer Hermoso pulled a goal back in the 79th minute for the world champions, who were then rescued when captain Irene Paredes turned in a Salma Paralluelo cross in the seventh minute of injury time.
Extra time saw no further goals, leading to penalties. Captain Catalina Usme’s first kick for Colombia was saved, while Liana Salazar missed her attempt, allowing Spain to score all four of their efforts from the spot to advance.
Earlier, Trinity Rodman scored a stunning goal in extra time as the United States edged Japan 1-0. The daughter of former NBA superstar Dennis Rodman struck in stoppage time at the end of the first half of extra time to break the deadlock and Japan’s resistance at a packed Parc des Princes in Paris.
The USA will face reigning 2016 gold medallists Germany, who defeated Canada 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless 130 minutes, in the semi-final on Tuesday in Lyon.
