Columbia Upsets Mexico; Panama Moves On

The other half of the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup concluded yesterday, with Columbia upsetting Mexico in front of predominant pro-Mexico crowd of over 60,000. Columbia dominated from the start, displaying an aggressive play not seen in their group play matches. After making the quarterfinals with a 1-2 record, the Columbia guests appeared for a quick dismissal by Mexico

Only the Columbians had other plans. Mexico was without their key forward, Jared Borgetti, due to picking up his second yellow card in their last group play match. Still, Mexico is ranked 6th in the world for a reason, and 25th ranked Columbia shouldn't have been a problem. It was tied at half, only because two early Columbia goals were taken off due to offsides. Columbia struck first, then Mexico answered a few minutes later. A 40 meter shot in the 75th minute proved to be the difference maker. Columbia now faces Panama, who defeated South Africa 1-1 (5-3) in penalty kicks.


Columbia Celebrates Their Victory

While guests Columbia advanced in the Gold Cup, their other invitees, South Africa, met a motivated Panamanian squad. After taking a 1-0 lead in the second half, Panama evened the match. Tied at the end of regulation, neither team was able to score during the extra half so it was on to penalty kicks, where Panama hit all 5, while South Africa was able to only convert 3. Panama advances to face Columbia. Panama, ranked 98th in the world, hopes this victory over a squad ranked 38th will rejuvenate a squad that still has hopes for a World Cup bid. This will be Panama's deeps advancement in Gold Cup play, as well, they have already beaten Columbia once, 1-0, in Group play.


Panama Celebrates Following Penalty Kicks