USA vs. Colombia: Score and Twitter Reaction for U-20 World Cup 2015

The 10 men of the United States made it through to the last eight of the 2015 Under-20 World Cup on Wednesday after goalkeeper Zack Steffen saved a late penalty to see his side past Colombia 1-0.

The youth national team's official Twitter account confirmed the United States' victory, in which Rubio Rubin bagged the only goal to see his side through to a last-eight fixture opposite Serbia on Sunday:

Having each lost a fixture during the group stage, both the United States and Colombia wanted to avoid another loss, which would bring an end to their participation in New Zealand.

The tie didn't start positively for coach Tab Ramos, as Los Angeles Galaxy forward Bradford Jamieson required attention in the 11th minute when he landed on his head after being up-ended. 

Galaxy expert Adam Serrano cited NBC Deportes when he reported that Jamieson had suffered a head contusion, most likely bringing an end to his tournament:

That long injury delay didn't do anything to disrupt the USA's grip on the fixture, however, and the opening half-hour saw Ramos' men enjoy the greater share of attacking territory.

Rubin, Gedion Zelalem and Jamieson's replacement, Jordan Allen, were among those looking to inject some impetus going forward, but the angles weren't opening up in their favour.

It proved costly too, as the Colombians began to find their own rhythm and bear down on Steffen's goal, the stopper having barely been challenged in the opening exchanges.

Goal.com's Ives Galarcep attested to the scrappy nature of the fixture being part of its appeal despite the lack of clear-cut chances at goal:

The second half saw Colombia increase their tempo, and Steffen was immediately forced onto his line, but striker Borre Santos couldn't make the opportunity count from close range.

Wasted chances came back to bite Carlos Restrepo's side when Rubin thundered home in the 59th minute, per Brian Sciaretta of the New York Times, a volleyed finish entirely of his own making:

The senior USA international showed the kind of predatory smarts that have earned him full honours, snapping up a rebound to punish the Colombians with 30 minutes left.

Colombia appeared stunted after leaking the first goal, and despite making substitutions in their attempt to pull level, they looked more likely to concede a second, per Fox's Keith Costigan:

The USA's confidence soon crumbled, however, when Kellyn Acosta earned a second yellow card for tugging an opponent's shirt in the box, giving Colombia a chance to equalise with just under 10 minutes remaining.

Jarlan Barrera stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Steffen again made his presence felt, diving to his right to keep the 10 men of the United States in front:

With a one-man disadvantage, the pressure was on Ramos' side to demonstrate their pedigree and see out the remaining few phases of the game in a calm manner.

It was a tall order for Ramos' youngsters, particularly as Colombia sought to impose themselves physically, but the United States were able to hold off the assault and clinch the victory.

Serbia will be an even tougher task. Jamieson is unlikely to be fit in time for Sunday's encounter, and with Acosta now suspended, Ramos will have no choice but to enforce change among his ranks.

After topping Group D and besting Hungary in the round of 16, the Serbians have proved a difficult party to break down, and the USA won't be underestimating them leading up to their quarter-final clash.