Unbreakable Jamaica exit after Usme's strike propels Colombia to first ever last-8 spot

Melbourne continues to add pages to football history books; Andrew Wiseman/Getty Images

Melbourne, Australia: In front of a raucous, 27k-strong partisan crowd, Colombia prevailed in a 1-0 victory over Jamaica. Catalina Usme's sumptuous strike in the 51st minute was the the first and only goal that Jamaica have conceded in their whole campaign, and the one that ends their odds-defying dream run.

Colombia, the first South-American nation to progress into the quarterfinals in 12 years, are up against England on Saturday. Given the lacklustre performance of the latter against Nigeria, Las Cafeteras might be in line to provide the next big shock in this tournament of baffling surprises.

“This moment is unique for the history of Colombian women's soccer, for South America," said head coach Nelson Abadía. "It is a triumph of a team that has made an effort to have consistency, character, personality. It was played and won well”.

Jamaica, who have previously held two top-10 sides in France and Brazil in goalless draws, faced the ultimate test to their defensive prowess in Colombia, with their tenacity in exploiting spaces and eagerness in deploying their ace of spades, Linda Caicedo; the ball sticking to her feet as if they were magnetic, then launching as if her feet were cannons. On the other end, Khadija Shaw was clearly the target woman, charging at the Colombian backline with her supreme dribbling skills.

The Manchester City star was targeted and overwhelmed for almost 90 minutes; Andrew Wiseman

However, the first half seldom allowed uninterrupted displays of talent, with a litany of fouls and physicality lending the tie a stop-start tempo. Colombia was predictably more offence-inclined, but were crowded out near the wings. A slicing throughball would reach Diana Ospina in the 15th minute, but with a marker right at her shoulder, the first shot on target wasn't much trouble for Spencer.

Jamaica, and Colombia as well, were not in the mood to tolerate any flashiness, and whole-heartedly embraced tactical fouls to protect themselves. It wasn't long before Chantelle Swaby and Drew Spence had their names in the book, with the latter almost throwing Caicedo on the ground before half time, drawing the ire of the partisan crowd. Daniela Arias of Columbia would even things out, earning her yellow card in the second half.

Almost bolstered by the blatant display of Jamaica's frustrations in keeping the Colombian offence at bay, the first breakthrough arrived rather early. The dense cluster of Reggae Girlz in the box had the Colombians adopt a generous use of long, cross-field passes to stretch the backline. Ana Maria Guzman was deputising for fullback and the stoppage-time goal scorer against Germany, Manuela Vanegas, whose suspension had raised worries in the Colombian press. Those worries were swiftly put to rest, as her genius lobbed pass, somehow, found Usme almost isolated with Spencer. One touch to settle the ball, the other to curl it around the keeper, she finally broke through the Jamaican defence, making it 1-0 at the 51st.

The perfect pass fitting for a perfect goal; Robert Cianfione/Getty Images 

The emotional celebrations were almost doused when a Jamaican free kick shortly after found Brown at the far post, her header agonisingly bouncing off the upright. With desperation settling in for Jamaica as they hounded for an equaliser, Colombia were content in adopting a counter-attacking stance. A near carbon copy of her goal against Germany, Caicedo broke into a counter in the 65th, her shot way wide off the mark.

Shaw would throw everything at it, dribbling away from the hordes of purple shirts around her, but Colombia were stolid and tireless in their defence, with forwards such as Ramirez dropping all the way back to contribute. A rare opportunity would eventually knock at Jamaica's door in the 82nd minute, when Cameron's cross from the right flank set up Spence right in the face of goal to head it in, only for her aim to betray her. Full time would soon follow, as the stadium would burst in a fury of yellow, red and blue flags.

“The task is not over, this team dreams of reaching the World Cup final," said Usme. "On Saturday against England we have a new battle and we are going to prepare to face it in the best way. We are happy, but there is still work to be done."