It was cruel, it was late, and it was utterly decisive. Now Colombia want more.

Colombia are through to the last eight of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, but captain Juana Ortegon says the job in Poland is only half done. The South Americans have the Falconets in their sights.

As first reported by cbinews.tv, Ortegon insists her side is taking it one game at a time, but the dream is clear: world champions.

Let's be honest, this was not a classic. It was a scrap.

The game at the Stadion Miejski LKS in Lodz was heading straight for extra time. Poland had dug in, frustrated Colombia, and looked set to force another 30 minutes in front of their home fans.

Then came the moment. Winger Mariana Silva whipped a dangerous ball across the face of goal, and under pressure, Polish defender Martyna Bartczak diverted it into her own net. 1-0 Colombia. Game over. Hosts out.

“We will play match by match. We are very happy to be in the quarter-finals, so we will think about Nigeria first, but this team will always compete to win. Our dream is to win the world title, but we’re going match by match,” Ortegon told FIFA.

Ortegon, who praised the fighting spirit of her teammates, knows all about these fine margins.

Ortegon's Journey:

If you followed the U-17 Women's World Cup in India in 2022, you'll remember the name. Ortegon was the teenager anchoring that brilliant Colombian midfield that included a young Linda Caicedo. That side made history by reaching the final.

Now 19, she is back as captain, trying to go one better at U-20 level. She is not just a leader in the armband sense - she is the metronome. The girl who does the dirty work so Silva and co. can fly.

On the other side, you have Nigeria's Falconets with a completely different story. This team started the tournament in Poland looking shaky. Lost 2-0 to Spain. Drew 0-0 with China. Then exploded - smashing New Caledonia 10-1 before dismantling England's Young Lionesses 3-0 in the Round of 16. Thirteen goals in their last two games alone. Talk about a turnaround.

Why It Matters?

This matters because history is weighing heavily on both sides.

Colombia have never won the U-20 Women's World Cup. Their best finish was as runners-up in 2022, when they lost to Spain in the final. That golden generation is hungry to become the first South American side to lift the trophy since... well, ever. No CONMEBOL nation has ever won it.

Nigeria? The Falconets are two-time finalists themselves - 2010 and 2014 - but that elusive trophy has never come to Africa. This year, they are the continent's last hope. Ghana, Tanzania and Benin all crashed out in the group stage. Nigeria are the sole African representative left in the quarter-finals.

It's also a clash of styles. Colombia's technical, possession-based game vs Nigeria's pace, power and directness. It's the exact fixture neutrals wanted.

So, what happens next?

The 2026 edition in Poland is the first expanded 24-team U-20 Women's World Cup. Eight teams were knocked out in the Round of 16 on Thursday, including hosts Poland, England, USA and Japan.

The quarter-final line-up is now set: Nigeria vs Colombia in Lodz on Sunday. The winner goes to the semi-finals against either North Korea or Canada.

For the Falconets, coached by Moses Aduku, it's a chance to reach their fourth semi-final in history. For Colombia, it's a chance to prove that 2022 was no fluke.

Next Steps?

Sunday, 2pm Nigerian time, Stadion Miejski LKS, Lodz. Don't miss it.

If Nigeria win, they keep Africa's dream alive. If Colombia win, Ortegon's march to that World Cup dream continues.

One thing is for sure - it won't be settled by an own goal. Will it?

Reporting with additional background from FIFA and Complete Sports, via cbinews.tv.

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