Linda Caicedo shines before late Vanegas goal seals Colombia’s 2-1 win over Germany at Women’s World Cup.

Believe hype. Linda Caicedo is for real, and so are Colombia’s chances of going far at  Women’s World Cup.

As for country’s fans, who gave Sydney Football Stadium feel of a Colombia home game on Sunday, ir passionate support created a jubilant atmosphere that lingered long after a 2-1 win over two-time champion Germany provided one of tournament’s great upsets.

“This is something historic for us. We’ve been feeling whole time backing from fans from our country,” Colombia assistant coach Angelo Marsiglia said. “Today we were playing as a home team.”

Caicedo produced ar moment of magic to put Colombia on course for back-to-back wins in Group H with her opening goal in 52nd minute. She needed treatment late in regulation but stayed on field and, five minutes later, Alexandra Popp equalized from penalty spot.

That setback for Colombia in 89th merely preceded an even later twist when defender Manuela Vanegas headed in a winner in seventh minute of stopp time.

Cue wild celebrations from Colombia, and looks of disbelief among German players.

Caicedo and her teammates certainly have had a dramatic campaign.

18-year-old Real Madrid star had a health scare earlier in week when she dropped to ground, holding her chest in a practice session. Team officials said it was fatigue, and she certainly appeared to be in full flight for her stunning second-half strike.

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Cancer survivor Caicedo had already scored from distance in 2-0 win against South Korea on Tuesday. But while that goal involved an error from goalkeeper Yoon Young-geul, on this occasion it was all about individual brilliance.

Collecting ball from just inside area after a corner, she worked her way into by bewildering two German defenders in a fast-stepping move before lashing a shot into top corner.

Caicedo, followed by her teammates, charged toward corner to get closer to share moment with elated crowd.

“Linda Caicedo is a fantastic player. We knew that before World Cup,” Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg said. “We needed to be very attentive.

“It was a good goal. I have to admit that. But we definitely should be better. We should keep ball.”

Germany is unlikely to be last team to get Caicedo treatment in her debut World Cup, provided she remains healthy.

Just days after struggling with fatigue at practice, Caicedo needed medical treatment behind play in 84th minute. She dropped to ground and, as she lay face down on pitch, was checked by trainers as referee stood nearby. She got up and started walking to bench but, after signaling she was okay, went back onto field and continued game.

Marsiglia later tried to allay concerns, explaining that teenr had been exhausted but adding that re was a “bit of acceleration” in her heart.

While Caicedo has been her country’s inspiration at tournament, Vanegas’ late strike embodied wide spread of talent in team.

She rose to head in substitute Leicy Santos’ corner deep into time added on to move Colombia to top of group.

“This was a decisive match to qualify for next round,” Marsiglia said. “This is a great win for whole country but game and tournament still continues.”

Germany w must regroup, having gone so close to salvaging a draw when Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez was penalized for bringing down Lena Oberdorf in box.

Popp, who scored twice in her country’s opening 6-0 rout of Morocco, fired straight down middle to level game.

Germany has never failed to advance from group st of World Cup and this was its first loss in a group game since 1995.

It is still expected to beat South Korea in its last game of Group H, but will likely have to settle for second place, which could set up a round of 16 match with France.

runners-up at last year’s Euros should have been ahead in first half when Popp was guilty of missing target with a with a volley from close range shortly before break.

Earlier Lina Magull had chance to test Perez from close range, but mis-kicked and opportunity was wasted.

WHAT’S NEXT

In last of group games Thursday, Germany faces South Korea and Colombia plays Morocco, with three teams still able to advance to kckout st.