da winzada777： Who will Nelson Abadia pick in his final squad? GOAL takes a look…
da bet7k： The Colombia national women's team is set to play in their third FIFA Women's World Cup finals in July, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.
Their best finish was in the 2015 edition when they reached the round of 16 but were beaten 2-0 by eventual winners USWNT (United States Women's National Team).
They qualified for the 2023 Women's World Cup by virtue of making it to the final of the 2022 Copa America Femenina. Linda Caicedo's goal against Argentina propelled them to the summit clash where went down by a slender margin of 1-0 to Brazil.
In 2023, they have not been able to hit the top gear as they have won only one out of five matches. However, they are set to play a few more friendlies against Panama & Japan, where coach Nelson Abadia would look to fine-tune his squad, before the first match in the World Cup against South Korea on July 25.
Apart from Korea, they will lock horns against Germany and Morocco in Group H.
Who can Abadia pick in the World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look…
Getty ImagesGOALKEEPERS
Catalina Perez is the number one choice between the sticks for Colombia. She was the shot-stopper during Copa America and was also entrusted with the responsibility in the recent friendlies against Italy and France.
Abadia trusts her abilities and barring any injury concerns she should have the gloves in Australia.
Sandra Sepulveda, the 35-year-old keeper of Independiente Medellín, is a solid backup given her experience. While the place for the third spot is up for grabs between Stefany Castano and Katherine Tapia.
Catalina PerezAvaíSandra SepulvedaIndependiente MedellínStefany Castano Deportivo CaliKatherine Tapia.PalmeirasAdvertisementGetty ImagesDEFENDERS
Abadia likes to stick to four defenders in defence.
Daniela Arias and Jorelyn Carabali are the two first-choice centre backs. The coach does not like to shake up things at the heart of defence and generally likes to stick to the duo. Arias is versatile and can also slot in at a full-back position if required.
Meanwhile, Daniela Caracas of Espanyol is the preferred option at right-back. However, Monica Ramos is a stiff competitor and was handed the start against Italy and France in April which shows that Caracas has to put her best foot forward in the upcoming friendlies to nail down her spot.
At left-back, Manuela Vanegas is the undisputed starter. The Real Sociedad defender is 22 years old and her work rate in both attack and defence is simply incredible.
Daniela AriasAmérica de CaliKorina ClavijoColo-ColoViviana Acosta Santa FeMaría MoralesDeportivo CaliJorelyn CarabalíAtletico MineiroMonica RamosGremioDaniela CaracasEspanyolManuela VanegasReal SociedadGetty ImagesMIDFIELDERS
Abadia likes to have two pivots in his team to give more protection to the defenders.
Lorena Bedoya and captain Daniela Montoya are the preferred defensive midfielders. Both players are integral to the team and act as the fulcrum that balances the entire unit.
Montoya's passing ability help them to ignite fast transitions after the ball is won back from the opposition. Whereas, Bedoya lies deep and absorbs the pressure when the team is chasing the ball.
Diana Ospina is another able candidate in the defensive midfield position who is mostly brought on in the latter stages of the game.
The three players behind the lone striker have often shuffled around since Abadia has plenty of options in the advanced areas.
Catalina Usme is a versatile player who can slot in at number 10 and if necessary can also drift wide to the left. Meanwhile, Real Madrid's Linda Caicedo is the favoured option on the right flank. The 18-year-old is considered to be a prodigy who is destined for great things and will be one of the youngsters to look out for in the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Atletico's Leicy Santos, America de Cali's Elexa Bahr and 31-year-old Yisela Cuseta are the other options who add depth to the squad.
Liced SernaValenciaYisela CusetaFerroviáriaDiana OspinaAmerica de CaliLorena BedoyaReal BrasíliaDaniela MontoyaAtletico NacionalAngie CastañedaCacereñoCarolina AriasJuniorGabriela HuertasSanta FeLiana SalazarCorinthiansCatalina UsmeAmerica de CaliElexa BahrAmerica de CaliLeicy SantosAtletico MadridLinda CaicedoReal MadridGetty ImagesFORWARDS
Mayra Ramirez of Levante should have the responsibility to lead the lines in Australia. She had been incredible form in the Spanish league and has scored 14 times in 27 appearances.
Meanwhile, Ingrid Guerra is another forward with immense potential. The 20-year-old plays for Atletico Mineiro and makes regular appearances for the Brazilian outfit. She has two goals in 13 appearances this season.
With Ramirez set to start in most matches, Guerra can be used as an impact substitute if Colombia are looking for goals as she has the pace to trouble defenders.
On the other hand, 32-year-old Tatiana Ariza is another experienced candidate who adds variety to the attack.
Mayra RamirezLevanteManuela PavíAtlético MadridIvonne ChacónValenciaTatiana ArizaDeportivo CaliGisela RobledoGranadillaIngrid GuerraAtletico Mineiro