Fifa Women's World Cup 70 Day Countdown: Day 18 Colombia Snapshot

As we enter day 18 of Edge of the Crowd's electrifying 70-day countdown to the highly anticipated 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, we're diving headfirst into a whirlwind tour of the fierce and fabulous teams gracing this year's tournament.

Join us on this journey as we dish out the inside scoop on each squad's strengths, weaknesses, players to keep an eye on and what a pass mark might be for each nation.

We have reached our final snapshot - Colombia.

FIFA Women's World Cup Appearances: 2 (2011, 2015)

Best performance at a FIFA Women's World Cup: Round of 16 (2015)

Players to Watch

One of the young stars of the Colombian team, Linda Caicedo is already proving one of Colombia's key players in the engine room, at just 18 years of age. Caicedo has shown plenty of promise for club side Real Madrid in her first season in Spain, with two goals from 10 appearances.

Embed from Getty Images

At the other end of the spectrum, Catalina Usme will be the focal point in attack, already banking goals for Las Cafeteras in 2023. Usme is the veteran face of the team, with 40 goals over the course of her international career. She will need to find the back of the net if Las Cafeteras are to repeat their 2015 heroics, qualifying for the knockouts.

Embed from Getty Images

The youngest player in the squad, Ana Maria Guzman will play a key role in defence this campaign. Despite being just 17 years of age, Guzman made her international debut earlier this year, after being in the squad for a couple of years, and impressed in defence, playing 90 minutes against Italy.

Embed from Getty Images

2023 form

Las Cafeteras have only suited up twice this year, with friendlies against France and Italy. These matches are great for exposure for the players, and experience against the top guns of world football, but they don't have the Colombian side in form.

Against France, Las Cafeteras found the back of the net twice, with Daniela Aras opening the scoring, and Usme scoring just after half time. But after that, the tables turned, and the Colombian defence conceded five goals, including three in a ten minute span after Usme's goal.

Going up against Italy just a few days later, Las Cafeteras conceded early. The only attacking joy was from Usme's kick from the spot, with 15 minutes left. Usme's equaliser was undone just a handful of minutes later courtesy of an own goal from Monica Ramos.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: Playing form should be something that works in favour of Las Cafeteras, as they play three more friendlies before the World Cup kicks off. A return fixture against Panama awaits, and then a single match against Japan in the lead up to the tournament.

With three more matches, there will be every chance to work on combinations, which will be important for team chemistry. It will also be a good opportunity to get minutes into younger players like Guzman and Caicedo.

Embed from Getty Images

Weaknesses: Las Cafeteras have struggled defensively, leaking seven goals in two matches this year, and nine goals across two previous appearances at the World Cup. If that continues, it will be hard for the attacking group to keep up and give them a chance at advancing.

Pass mark

Colombia are a good enough team that they should progress to the knockout stages in this tournament. With a group where they are fancied to be around the second spot, expectations will be to advance to the Round of 16 and repeat 2015's achievements.

To get the full experience of Edge of the Crowd's 70 Day Countdown to the FIFA Women's World Cup this July, don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Also don't forget to listen to the Australian World Cup Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.