Ukraine continued their unprecedented run at the FIFA U-20 World Cup by defeating Colombia 1-0 in Lodz on Friday to reach their first semi-final.
It was a dream start for the Ukrainians when Danylo Sikan took advantage of confusion from the Colombia defence to open the scoring in the 11th minute. Sikan won a goal kick that prompted Colombia goalkeeper Kevin Mier to come off his line. The Ukrainian forward then outmuscled Carlos Cuesta to tap the ball through Mier's legs before firing into an unmanned net.
Los Cafeteros' attack was largely kept in check until the last 15 minutes of the match, when they began to throw even more players forward. Their best chance to equalise came in the 82nd minute when substitute Luis Sandoval dragged his shot wide left after a scramble in the penalty area.
Johan Carbonero saw red for his dangerous sliding challenge of Denys Popov in the 86th minute, shutting the door on Colombia's hopes to draw level.
The record-setting run at Poland 2019 rolls on for Ukraine, who will now make their maiden semi-final appearance after prevailing in their first quarter-final.
Next up
Semi-final, Tuesday 11 June Ukraine-Italy (Gdynia, 17:30 local time)