The Colombian under-20 national team are through to the semi-final of the annual Toulon Tournament in southern France after an impressive draw with Italy, as the World Cup in Colombia approaches.
Colombia’s preparation for the upcoming FIFA Under-20 World Cup is progressing nicely as they finished top of a tough group that included last year’s winners Ivory Coast, 2008 champions Italy and Portugal, who have won twice in the last ten years.
A 1-1 draw with Italy was enough to top the group after 17-year-old Hector Quiñones fired in a spectacular long range strike to give Colombia the lead after 17 minutes. Milan’s promising prospect Alberto Paloschi equalized for Italy from the penalty spot in the second half.
After beating Ivory Coast 4-1 and drawing 1-1 with Portugal, Colombia finished first in the group and must now await the conclusion of Group B to learn their semi-final opponents who, barring a major upset, will be either Mexico or Hungary.
Italy are almost certain to play hosts France, who have won a record 11 times with an equal number of runner-up spots.
See the goals from all of Colombia’s group games below: