So Close, So Cruel: La Tricolor Denied Glory in Copa America Again
On August 2, 2025, in front of a packed stadium in Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil renewed their fierce rivalry in the Copa América Femenina final — a rematch of the 2022 showdown that saw Brazil narrowly defeat Colombia 1-0 on home soil. This time, the stakes were just as high, and the familiarity between the sides was evident, having already met in the group stage where they played to a tense 0-0 draw.
From the opening whistle, it was clear this would be another nail-biter. Both teams left everything on the pitch in a match defined by grit, tactical discipline, and moments of brilliance. It was a final that truly could’ve gone either way — but in the cruelest of football fates, Colombia fell short in the penalty shootout, once again watching Brazil lift the trophy.
The loss marks another heartbreaking Copa América final defeat for Colombia — the second in just over a year following the men’s team’s narrow loss in 2024 (to see where it ranks amongst every Copa America read – https://cafeterodelnorte.com/colombia-copa-america-history/). As well as the 4th final Colombia looses in the Copa America Femenina (haven’t won it ever). Still, despite the emotional weight of the result, there is reason for pride. By reaching the final, Colombia secured a spot at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, continuing their rise as a continental powerhouse in women’s football.
Road to the Final
Colombia was placed in Group B alongside Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Paraguay — a challenging group that tested the squad’s depth and resilience. La Tricolor finished second with 8 points, just behind group winners Brazil, who had 10 points. Colombia’s group stage campaign featured a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Venezuela, an emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay, a dominant 8-0 rout of Bolivia, and a tightly contested 0-0 draw against Brazil. Impressively, Colombia conceded just one goal throughout the group stage, tying Brazil for the best goal difference in the group stage. In the semi-finals, they met Argentina in a tense clásico, which ended 0-0 after 90 minutes. Despite dominating the match and creating the clearest chances, Colombia couldn’t find the breakthrough in regulation. Nevertheless, they held their nerve in the shootout, defeating Argentina on penalties and earning a well-deserved place in the final.
Game Highlights
25th minute – Linda Caicedo opened the scoring after a brilliant through ball from Mayra Ramírez. Caicedo timed her run perfectly and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper.
45+9 – Penalty to Brazil. After winning a 50/50 header, Jorelyn Carabalí reacted with a bit too much aggression, lowering her head into the opponent. VAR reviewed the incident and awarded the penalty — a moment of madness that could’ve been a red card but was only punished with yellow. Angelina stepped up and converted to level the score.
First Half Stats
| Colombia | Brazil | |
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
| Shots | 7 (1 on target) | 7 (3 on target) |
| Big Chances | 1 | 1 |
It was an even first half, with both teams creating solid opportunities. Colombia looked sharp and organized, but the conceded penalty felt like a gift Brazil didn’t have to work for.
Second Half
69th minute – Brazil scored in bizarre fashion. Defender Tarciane attempted a back pass to her goalkeeper, but it ended up rolling into her own net. An own goal gave Colombia the lead once again.
80th minute – Brazil responded through Gutierres, who chested down a cross and volleyed it into the net — a high-quality finish that brought the match level at 2-2.
88th minute – Colombia struck again in stunning fashion. Mayra Ramírez nutmegged a Brazilian defender to break away and returned the favor to Caicedo, who laid it right back to her. Mayra coolly slotted the chance home, giving Colombia a late 3-2 lead.
90+6 – Marta, the legendary Brazilian, had other plans. A long-range half-volley found the back of the net in stoppage time, tying the match 3-3 and sending it to extra time.
Second Half Stats
| Colombia | Brazil | |
| Possession | 40% | 60% |
| Shots | 4 (3 on target) | 9 (4 on target) |
| Big Chances | 2 | 1 |
Although Brazil dominated possession and piled on pressure, Colombia created several dangerous opportunities and led for most of the second half. The team’s structure and fight were admirable, but Marta’s world-class strike in the dying moments stole what felt like a deserved win.
Extra time
105th minute – Brazil took the lead for the first time in the match. Marta once again proved decisive, sneaking in behind the defense and finishing off a cross to make it 4-3.
Extra Time – First Half Stats
| Colombia | Brazil | |
| Possession | 30% | 70% |
| Shots | 2 (1 on target) | 2 (1 on target) |
| Big Chances | — | 1 |
Brazil carried their momentum into extra time, dictating play as Colombia visibly tired. Still, the Colombians held their own and didn’t give in.
115th minute – Lifeline! Leicy Santos scored a stunning free kick from just outside the box, curling it into the top left corner to tie the match 4-4.
Extra Time – Second Half Stats
| Colombia | Brazil | |
| Possession | 41% | 51% |
| Shots | 1 (1 on target) | 3 (1 on target) |
| Big Chances | — | — |
Colombia showed incredible fight in the final 15 minutes. Despite heavy legs and relentless Brazilian pressure, they stayed in it and forced the match to penalties.
Penalty Shootout
| Colombia Penalty Takers | |
| C. Usme | ✅ |
| M. Restrepo | ✅ |
| M. Pavi | ❌ |
| L. Santos | ✅ |
| L. Caicedo | ✅ |
| W. Bonilla | ❌ |
| J. Carabalí | ❌ |
| Brazil Penalty Takers | ||
| Tarciane | ✅ | |
| Angelina | ❌ | |
| A. Gutierres | ✅ | |
| Mariza | ✅ | |
| Marta | ❌ | |
| Jhonson | ✅ | |
| Luany | ✅ | |
Final: Brazil 5 – 4 Colombia (Penalties)
Standout players
Linda Caicedo
Once again, Linda Caicedo showed why she’s one of the brightest talents in world football. She opened the scoring with a composed finish and later returned the favor with a brilliant assist for Mayra Ramírez. But beyond the goal contributions, it was her overall influence that stood out — constantly tormenting Brazil’s backline with her electric pace, tight dribbling, and fearless runs. From the first whistle to the shootout, Linda was a constant danger, always looking to make something happen.
Mayra Ramírez
Mayra Ramírez was a force of nature up top. The towering forward combined strength and finesse to devastating effect, notching both a goal and an assist in a standout performance. Her ability to shrug off defenders, create space, and drive forward with intent made her a nightmare to defend against. Whether it was her powerful runs through the middle, her link-up play with Caicedo, or her cool finish on the break, Ramírez proved she’s not just physical — she’s clinical too.
Final Thoughts
This Copa América Femenina final was a rollercoaster of emotion, intensity, and unforgettable moments. Colombia went toe-to-toe with Brazil across 120 minutes of football and pushed the South American giants all the way to penalties. It wasn’t the fairytale ending La Tricolor had dreamed of, but it was a performance that proved — once again — that Colombia belongs on the biggest stages.
From Linda Caicedo’s brilliance to Leicy Santos’ clutch free kick, and the collective fight shown by every player wearing yellow, this team gave everything. While the heartbreak of another final loss stings deeply — especially following last year’s defeat in the men’s final — Colombia’s footballing future looks brighter than ever.
More than just a silver medal, this tournament marks another step in Colombia’s rise as a force in women’s football. And with a ticket now punched to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, this golden generation will have another chance to chase glory — and this time, maybe rewrite the ending.
what were your thoughts on the match? are devastated from this result? if you have any thoughts, please leave a comment.
to see all the highlights from this match click – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCgxkT2E08Q
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