South American U-20 Football Championship: Neiser Villareal's Hat-Trick Helps Colombia Thrash Paraguay 4-0 - In Pics

Colombia began their campaign in the final hexagonal of the South American U-20 Football Championship with an impressive 4-0 victory over Paraguay. Jordan Barrera opened the scoring in the 14th minute, giving the Colombian side an early boost. However, the standout performance came from Neiser Villareal, who not only secured the win but also scored a remarkable hat-trick. Villarreal found the back of the net again in the 31st minute of the first half and added two more goals in the second half in the 51st and 71st minutes. This victory provided Colombia with vital momentum, earning them three points and positioning them at the top of the standings, ahead of Brazil and Argentina, who defeated Uruguay 1-0 and Chile 2-1, respectively.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 6 February 2025 9:51 am

Paraguay Colombia Soccer South American U20

Colombia Paraguay Soccer South American U20 | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Paraguay's Lucas Guinazu sits on the pitch after his team's loss at the end of a South American U-20 Championship soccer match against Colombia, in Caracas, Venezuela.

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Colombia Paraguay Soccer South American U20

Paraguay Colombia Soccer South American U20 | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Paraguay's Diego Leon control the ball against the defense of Colombia players, during a South American U-20 Championship soccer match in Caracas, Venezuela.

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South American U-20 Championship: Colombia vs Paraguay

South American U-20 Championship: Paraguay vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Colombia's Neiser Villarreal celebrates his team's second goal during a South American U-20 Championship soccer match against Paraguay, in Caracas, Venezuela.

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South American U-20 Championship: Paraguay vs Colombia

South American U-20 Championship: Colombia vs Paraguay | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Colombia's Kener Gonzalez, left, and Paraguay's David Fernandez fight for the ball during a South American U-20 Championship soccer match in Caracas, Venezuela.

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South American U-20 Championship Soccer Match: Colombia vs Paraguay

South American U-20 Championship Soccer Match:Paraguay vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Paraguay's David Fernandez, right, and Colombia's Yeimar Mosquera pursue the ball during a South American U-20 Championship soccer match in Caracas, Venezuela.

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South American U-20 Championship Soccer Match:Paraguay vs Colombia

South American U-20 Championship Soccer Match: Colombia vs Paraguay | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Colombia's Alejandro Ararat, left, and Paraguay's Octavio Alfonso pursue the ball during a South American U-20 Championship soccer match in Caracas, Venezuela.

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Paraguay vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Paraguay's Lucas Quintana strikes the ball against Colombia's Neiser Villarreal, second right, during a South American U-20 Championship soccer match in Caracas, Venezuela.

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Colombia vs Paraguay | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Colombia's Jordan Barrera, front, and his teammate celebrate his opening goal during a South American U-20 Championship soccer match against Paraguay, in Caracas, Venezuela.

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South American U-20 Championship: Paraguay vs Colombia | Photo: AP/Ariana Cubillos

Paraguay's Axel Balbuena, left, heads the ball against Colombia's Keimer Sandoval during a South American U-20 Championship soccer match in Caracas, Venezuela.