Colombia ended 2023 on a high note with a win over New Zealand

The The Colombian women's team finished their year on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over New Zealand. A hard-fought friendly in the run-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was played at the Deco Stadium in Bogotá.

The Coffee Makers' score was the work of senior midfielder Daniela Montoya And the second friendly the two teams played in Bogotá these days also held to a 0-0 draw.

The goal allowed the hosts to successfully complete a year that saw them reach the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. And in the run-up to 2024 they hope to surprise Paris and the first edition of the Gold Cup.

The first half was goalless as Colombia didn't allow the ball to circulate in the opposition field thanks to New Zealand's excellent defensive work.

The Marine teams' pressure was key to neutralizing the hosts' attacks as Lady Andrade and Maira Ramirez, who were very lone on the pitch, had a lot of difficulty getting clean balls.

New Zealand faced problems in the 20th minute. Midfielder Malia Steinmetz retired through injury and was replaced by Katie Kitching.

In the second half, Colombia coach Angelo Marsiglia sent on Lizzie Santos and the team attacked better.

Marcela created her first clear-cut chance in the 54th minute with good play down the right from Restrepo, who finished off a cross by Ramirez, but goalkeeper Anna Leid saved with a swipe.

However, the New Zealanders also had a clear target when Baggy Satchel set up striker Jackie Hand, who had a superb shot saved by goalkeeper Catalina Perez.

The game fell again as the minutes ticked away Minute 70 Scoring started On one play Montoya attempted a cross that went into Leide's goal, surprised that no one touched the ball.

The New Zealanders felt the rigors of the altitude and heat, so they did not attack again and had to resign themselves to defeat.