Copa América Femenina 2025: Colombia Edge Argentina in Penalty Shootout to Reach Final and Qualify for LA28 Olympics

In a dramatic semifinal clash at the Copa América Femenina 2025, Colombia edged past Argentina in a tense penalty shootout to book their spot in the final — and secure a coveted quota for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The highly anticipated Argentina – Colombia showdown, held at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito, ended in a goalless draw after 90 minutes of regular time and extra time. But it was goalkeeper Katherine Tapia who emerged as the hero, helping Colombia clinch a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout.

A Nail-Biting Finish Decided by Inches

Argentina had their moment to stay alive when Eliana Stábile stepped up for the decisive penalty. But her powerful shot slammed against the crossbar and bounced out — sealing Colombia’s place in the final.

“We are finalists, and we qualified for the Olympics in Los Angeles. That was our main goal,” Tapia said after the match. “Now, we’re fully focused on the final.”

Argentina’s Strong Start Meets Colombia’s Resilience

The Argentina – Colombia semifinal kicked off with high intensity. Argentina, unbeaten in the group stage for the first time since their 2006 title-winning campaign, looked dangerous early on. Yamila Rodríguez and Florencia Bonsegundo tested the Colombian defense, but Tapia remained solid between the posts.

Despite injuries on both sides disrupting the flow, Colombia grew stronger in the second half. Leicy Santos, Linda Caicedo, and Mayra Ramírez all came close, with Valerin Loboa nearly scoring — only to be denied by Argentina’s keeper Solana Pereyra.

Penalty Drama: VAR, Missed Chances, and Redemption

The match saw the first use of VAR in the tournament during stoppage time, but a review of a possible foul by Argentina’s Sophia Braun was ruled not to be a penalty.

In the shootout, Tapia saved Paulina Gramaglia’s shot, giving Colombia an early advantage. After Ramírez hit the bar for Colombia, the teams were neck-and-neck. But it was Wendy Bonilla who calmly scored Colombia’s sixth penalty, before Stábile’s miss handed victory to the Superpoderosas.

What’s Next: Brazil or Uruguay Await in the Final

Colombia now prepares to face the winner of the second semifinal between Brazil and Uruguay, set for Saturday, 2 August. This marks Colombia’s second consecutive appearance in the Copa América Femenina final, reinforcing their growing dominance in South American women’s football.

With Olympic qualification sealed, Colombia not only takes one step closer to continental glory but also looks ahead to LA28, where they aim to make history on a global stage.

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Colombia defeat Argentina in a dramatic Copa América Femenina 2025 semifinal penalty shootout to reach the final and qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.