This amazing phase is for all Colombian people, says coach Carlos Paniagua

The Colombian men’s football team has always been dark horses at major tournaments, including the World Cup.
Now, the women’s side is following in their footsteps as the under-17 team makes it to the knockout stage for the first time in five attempts at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
In four previous attempts, the South Americans had never made it past the group stage of the tournament. Even in India, they lost the opening game against defending champions Spain, but bounced back with wins against China and Mexico.
“I am really proud of this group, all the players, all the staff,” Colombia coach Carlos Paniagua told TOI. “They have been doing an amazing work. They have been working really hard to be here.
“I am really proud of (the work) all the leagues did in Colombia with the young players and then the professional players in our professional leagues. This amazing phase is for all Colombian people.”
Colombia are now clubbed against another knockout debutant, Tanzania, in the last-eight stage on Saturday.
Much of Colombia’s success can be attributed to the efforts of captain Linda Caicedo, who scored three of the team's four goals in the tournament so far. She could have been the first Colombian to score a hat-trick at the World Cup, but settled for a brace against China.
“The goals are not only for me but for the entire team. We just want to keep working and keep going in all the phases of this World Cup,” said Linda.
There have been times when Colombia have been put under pressure. Against Mexico in the winner-takes-all clash, the South Americans were pushed on the back foot, but Linda put her experience to good use.
The 17-year-old featured at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica early this year.
She has already played for the senior team and was named player of the tournament at this year’s Copa America Feminina.
“We have to be all together and not give any opportunity to the opposition. I think we did a great job so far and the results were for us,” said Linda.
The forward has the ability to adapt and switch positions. Her dribbling skills are an added advantage while she certainly knows how to regain the team’s rhythm.
For Linda, the popularity of women’s football is encouraging.
“In Colombia, we have huge support with the leagues. Now all the people are supporting us, so now women’s football in Colombia is a big thing,” said Linda.
If they go all the way, it could be a huge turning point.