China PR gave their supporters something to cheer about during their final game of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup at hot and humid Edgardo Baltodano Briceño stadium in Liberia, earning a 3-1 victory over Colombia, who exit the competition without a win.

With both teams already eliminated from the tournament, this match was an opportunity to play for pride and leave Costa Rica with a positive result. However, without a spot in the quarter-finals up for grabs, the first half lacked intensity from both sides and only a few half chances came from the initial 45 minutes.

The half-time team talks seemed to do the trick, though, as both sides returned to the pitch in a more spirited fashion, and the Colombians were the first to strike 15 minutes after the break. Captain Andrea Rodriguez capitalised on a quick counter-attack that found the Chinese backline too flat, and the midfielder fired past Shimeng Peng.

Colombia continued to press for a second goal but ten minutes later it all went wrong for the South Americans. Ying Wang received a clever through-ball and was able to pick out Yuhan Cui with an equally skillful pass, who calmly finished into an empty net to bring China PR level.

Less than three minutes later an unfortunate own goal headed in by Sara Paez put the Chinese in front. Yudan Chen made it 3-1 in the final minutes of the match to fully take the wind out of the Colombian sails. The result sees China PR finish third in Group D behind Nigeria and Mexico, and the Colombians leave Costa Rica bottom of the table.