Colombia fight back to beat Costa Rica in U20 Women’s World Cup opener

Colombia began their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign with a comeback victory over Costa Rica on Monday, 7 September 2026, recovering from an early deficit to claim a reported 3-1 win.

The original match headline listed the result as 3-2, but the accompanying report describes a 3-1 victory for Colombia. In either account, the South American side overturned a difficult start after Costa Rica took the lead inside the opening six minutes.

Costa Rica made the stronger beginning when Sheik Scott struck in the sixth minute. She was played through by S. Pitty and finished to give the Costa Ricans an early advantage, catching Colombia cold.

Colombia responded by taking control of possession and gradually imposing themselves on the contest. They held 55% of the ball and were rewarded in the 26th minute when Fernanda Viafara converted from the penalty spot.

The penalty was awarded after a foul by Briceno, allowing Colombia to draw level before half-time. The two teams went into the interval level after an energetic and closely fought opening 45 minutes.

Colombia raised their performance after the break and eventually turned their pressure into a deserved advantage. Silva put them ahead in the 56th minute, completing the turnaround after Costa Rica had been unable to maintain the momentum of their early spell.

The winners continued to threaten as the second half progressed. Cortes added a third goal in the 80th minute, receiving a pass from Ortegon to place Colombia in a commanding position.

Ortegon later missed a penalty towards the end of the match, giving Costa Rica a potential opportunity to reduce the deficit. However, Colombia remained in control and secured the points.

Costa Rica’s influence faded significantly after the interval. Having competed evenly during the first half, they were increasingly forced to concede possession as Colombia dictated the pace and territory. The Costa Ricans finished with 38% of the ball, compared with Colombia’s 55%.

The statistics also underlined Colombia’s attacking superiority. They registered 19 attempts on goal and created six major chances, reflecting the sustained pressure they applied during the second half.

For Costa Rica, the early goal from Sheik Scott offered the perfect start, but their lead was not enough to withstand Colombia’s response. Fernanda Viafara’s penalty restored parity before Silva and Cortes completed the decisive swing in the match.

The victory gives Colombia a positive opening to their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign, while Costa Rica must recover from a match in which they lost control after the break.