Colombia, Argentina and Ecuador made a flying start in their bid to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ with victories in their opening CONMEBOL Women’s Nations League encounters, while Venezuela and Chile remained scoreless.
The two teams that finish in first and second place in the Women’s Nations League standings will qualify directly for the tournament in Brazil, while the sides in third and fourth will head to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
Read on for details of the four matches which took place on the opening day of the tournament which serves as the CONMEBOL qualification route.
Colombia 4-1 Peru
Colombia goals: Santos (6 pen, 89), Montoya (74), Chacon (90+6)
Peru goal: Nunez (48)
Colombia are already one of the most talented teams in the world, and when Leicy Santos is on top form she is almost unstoppable. Against Peru, the Washington Spirit player opened the scoring from the penalty spot after six minutes, provided the assist for Daniela Montoya’s powerful header after Peru had equalised just after the break, and then sealed the win with a minute of normal time remaining from a Marcela Restrepo cross. Ivonne Chacon added the icing on the cake in added time.
Bolivia 0-4 Ecuador
Ecuador goals: Rodriguez (3), Cedeno (50), Barahona (78), Flores (86)
Ecuador cruised to victory in Bolivia, with their success built on set-piece strength as they used their height advantage to pose a threat from free-kicks and corners. The first goal came about with Mayerli Rodriguez heading in a cross from the left. Stefany Cedeno extended the lead with a spectacular free-kick, while Milagro Barahona also scored with a header from a cross. Karen Flores added to the tally by calmly converting another cross from the right.
Venezuela 0-0 Chile
Venezuela and Chile could not be separated after an evenly-matched game, which saw few chances. The hosts came close to opening the scoring with a shot from Deyna Castellanos, then Raiderlin Carrasco was denied by Olympique Lyonnais goalkeeper Christiane Endler. For Chile, Mary Valencia tried a header, but the score remained goalless.
Argentina 3-1 Paraguay
Argentina goals: Cometti (17), Holzheier (22), Pereyra (45+4)
Paraguay goal: Barreto (45+2)
The Argentinos Juniors stadium in Buenos Aires was the scene for an exciting match won by the hosts. Aldana Cometti opened the scoring from a corner kick taken from the right. Agostina Holzheier showed finesse in the box to extend the lead, but Liz Barreto reduced the deficit at the end of the first half. However, there was still time for one last goal before the break, scored by Maricel Pereyra. In the second half, both sides were reduced to ten players as Paraguay’s Pamela Villalba was sent off, and Argentina’s Sofia Dominguez also headed for the dressing room early after receiving a second yellow card.
Next matches
Tuesday, 28 October
Uruguay v Argentina
Chile v Bolivia
Ecuador v Colombia
Paraguay v Venezuela
