Colombia’s under-20 soccer team are on course to complete the perfect preparation for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, after defeating Mexico to reach the final of the Toulon Tournament in France.
The young Colombians, who host the World Cup at the end of July, beat Mexico 2-1 in the semi-final and will play France in the final on Friday 10 at 2PM Colombian time.
An impressive goal from top-scorer Edwin Cardona opened the scoring on 37 minutes, after the 18-year-old midfielder chested the ball down on the edge of the area before guiding a looping half-volley into the corner of the net.
Jose Adolfo Valencia then gave the Colombians the perfect start to the second half on 47 minutes, beating his man inside the Colombian half and racing away over half the pitch before drilling a low shot from a difficult angle into the far corner.
The young side looked to be easing their way towards their final bearth until David Izazola scored for the Mexicans with just under ten minutes remaining.
Despite the slight scare, the Colombians were able to see out the last few minutes and complete their progression to the final of the annual tournament, where they will play France after the hosts beat Italy 1-0.