Reporting from Stadium Australia in Sydney.
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If we learned anything from England’s 2-1 World Cup quarterfinal win over Colombia, it is that decibels don’t win soccer matches.
From the national anthems to the final whistle, it felt like a home match for Colombia, and perhaps even a cup final in Bogotá or Medellín. In particular, an obstreperous sound erupted from all four corners of Stadium Australia after Leicy Santos gave the South Americans the lead just before halftime.
The Atletico Madrid midfielder managed to catch Australia goalkeeper Mary Earps off her line from 25 yards out. It was a laser-like shot that was perfectly targeted between crossbar and shot-stopper. It was the first shot from open play Earps had failed to save at the World Cup.
However, no matter how deafening the support from Colombia fans was when Las Chicas Poderosas counter-attacked and no matter how intimidating their boos were when the Lionesses had the ball, it wasn’t enough to push Colombia to a win.
