Colombia players celebrate one of their goals against Spain in Talca, Chile.
Photo: EFE – Benjamín Hernández
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Colombia made history in Talca this Saturday. The U-20 team beat Spain 3-2 and qualified for the semifinals of the 2025 World Cup in Chile, repeating the feat achieved in 2003, when it also reached the top four in the world.
It was a vibrant, high-voltage match with an undisputed protagonist: Neiser Villarreal, author of the three goals that marked the comeback and the classification. The Tricolor, led by César Torres, remains undefeated in the tournament and once again excites a country that dreams of seeing its new generation compete in a World Cup final.
After its victory, Colombia has already settled among the semifinalists and will face the match on Wednesday that will define to one of the finalists of the contest. The team celebrated with emotion on the grass of the Talca Fiscal Stadium, aware that the step taken is important and that the next one will be even more demanding. The enthusiasm grows, and the team keeps its feet on the ground: there is still one more game left to reach glory.
Colombia, to the semifinals, suffering
The match against Spain was a roller coaster. Colombia took the lead in the first half thanks to Neiser Villarreal, but in the second half the Europeans turned it around with goals from Rayane Belaid and Jan Virgili.
When the outlook seemed dark, the Tricolor brought out its character. Villarreal tied in the 64th minute after an assist from Jhon Alexander Rentería and, at the end of the game, he signed his hat trick with a cold and powerful finish, taking advantage of a long ball that unleashed madness in Talca.
Spain tried to react, even having a penalty at the end that was annulled by the VAR after the green card was reviewed. Goalkeeper Jordan García also dressed as a hero to contain the Iberian attacks and ensure the victory. The defense resisted as best it could, and the final whistle unleashed the euphoria of the Colombian group, who embraced each other on the field knowing that they had sealed a memorable classification.
This will be Colombia's rival in the World Cup semi-final
Colombia's rival in the semifinals will be Argentina, which beat Mexico 2-0 in the second round.
The match, for a place in the grand final of the U-20 World Cup, will be played on Wednesday at 6:00 pm. The national team is already awaiting that challenge with the intact hope of reaching, for the first time, the decisive match.
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