This Women's World Cup is being defined by late-game drama

Linda Caicedo has been one of the show-stealers of the Women's World Cup, but on Sunday it was an unheralded member of the Colombian team who propelled it to a spectacular late victory.

Manuela Vanegas, reliable left-back for the South American side, produced the header that stunned two-time world champion Germany in the most painful way possible, the decisive effort coming in the seventh minute of injury time.

But while the soccer world has been pleasantly surprised by the skillful, speedy and fearless Colombian team, those who have been watching the World Cup closely should not have been shocked by how late the crucial move arrived.

Late – actually reaaaallly late goals – have become in some ways the hallmark of this year's competition. If you're conditioned to think that when it comes to soccer things are over when the clock hits 90, it's probably best to get out of that mentality ASAP.

[ World Cup NOW: Rising star Linda Caicedo shines brightly for Colombia ]

Through two rounds of group games there have been eight goals scored in the 90th minute or later, plus one in the 89th and another in the 87th. With the third and final round of group games still remaining that was already more 90th-or-later strikes than in 2019 (seven), 2015 (seven) or 2011 (three).

Three of them have been pure game-winners, including the one by Vanegas. Long may it continue.

But let's be honest, we love an upset, and late goals tug at the heart strings in different ways depending on who is scoring and who is suffering.

When Sweden grabbed one near the end to break the hearts of brave underdog South Africa in Group G, courtesy of a stoppage time header from Amanda Ilestedt, the groans of disappointment could be heard far beyond Cape