Colombia's Néiser Villarreal Hat-Trick Eliminates Spain from 2025 Sub-20 World Cup
Néiser Villarreal's hat-trick leads Colombia to a 3-2 win over Spain, knocking the European side out of the 2025 Sub-20 World Cup quarterfinals and sending Colombia to the semifinals for the second time ever.
- • Colombia defeated Spain 3-2 in the Sub-20 World Cup quarterfinals with a hat-trick from Néiser Villarreal.
- • Spain took a second-half lead before Villarreal scored twice more to secure Colombia's win.
- • This win advances Colombia to its second-ever semifinal appearance in Sub-20 World Cup history.
- • Villarreal is hailed as a rising star in Colombian football, drawing comparisons to Luis Díaz and Radamel Falcao.
Key details
In a thrilling quarterfinal clash of the 2025 Sub-20 World Cup in Chile, Colombia overcame Spain with a 3-2 victory, powered by a stunning hat-trick from Néiser Villarreal. Villarreal opened the scoring early in the first half, skillfully maneuvering past the Spanish defense. Spain rallied in the second half, scoring two quick goals to take a 2-1 lead. However, Villarreal responded decisively, netting two more goals including a late strike in the 89th minute to seal Colombia's historic win.
Colombia’s defense and goalkeeper Jordan García played a crucial role in securing the win, effectively neutralizing Spain’s attack. This victory advances Colombia to the semifinals for only the second time in the nation's Sub-20 World Cup history. Coach César Torres's tactical approach capitalized on Spain's defensive lapses and maximized his team's strengths.
Néiser Villarreal, born in Tumaco, Nariño, is currently in the best moment of his young career. His performance against Spain not only eliminated a European powerhouse but also elevated his status as one of South America's brightest football talents. Comparisons have been drawn between Villarreal and Colombian greats like Luis Díaz and Radamel Falcao. Despite his rising fame, Villarreal is noted for his humility, exceptional talent, and fierce determination to succeed.
Spain's Sub-20 team fought valiantly but ultimately could not contain Villarreal's brilliance. The defeat ends Spain's journey in the tournament, while Colombia celebrates advancing further than ever before. This quarterfinal match stands out as a testament to Villarreal's emergence as a star and Colombia's growing presence on football's global youth stage.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
