The culmination of action in the group stage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup saw four nations battle for pride and for a place in the round of 16.
It wasn’t a certainty until the full-time whistle for any side in group G except Colombia looking to progress into the next round.
Morocco V Colombia
The first half ended with the Atlas Lionesses in hysteria as they were 45 minutes away from making history.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has persistently seen shocking outcomes and as such it was also witnessed on the final day of group action.
Morocco got a penalty in additional time in the first 45 after Colombian defender Daniela Arias shoved Ibtissam Jraidi to the group in the penalty area.
This ensued after a scramble in the 18-yard box. However, the resultant penalty was saved by Catalina Perez.
Despite the penalty save, Reynard Pedros’ side still took the lead after Lahmari Anissa scored following a passage of play from Sakina Ouzraoui, who reacted the quickest in the box after the penalty miss.
Colombia had the larger share of possession but they couldn’t weaken the resolve of the Moroccans.
Morocco have made history and they join neighbors on the African continent Nigeria and South Africa into the next round.
Only one yellow card was shown in the game and it was brandished to Manuela Vanegas of Colombia in the 51st minute.
South Korea V Germany
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s Germany crashing out of the tournament would also be one of the most shocking incidents in the tournament.
The 2-time Women’s World Cup champions needed a win to progress into the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
However, due to the unpredictability of football, African Women’s Cup of Nations runners up Morocco would be in the round of 16 ahead of powerhouse Germany.
South Korea took an early lead in the encounter, scoring just 6 minutes into the game via a calm finish from So-Hyun Cho.
Anyway, after several attempts in the first 45, Alexandra Popp finally popped up in impressive manner for her side to draw Germany level.
The European Championship runners up were dominant in possession for major parts of the game but they couldn’t turn their dominance into goals.
Germany shockingly crash out of the tournament and many are wowed by that reality.
Complete round of 16 matches at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup:
Saturday, August 5
Round of 16: Switzerland vs Spain, Eden Park, Auckland, 6:00am
Round of 16: Japan vs Norway, Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, 9:00am
Sunday, August 6
Round of 16: Netherlands v Runner-Up G, Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney, 3:00am Sat, Aug 5
Round of 16: Winner G v United States, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, 10:00am
Monday, August 7
Round of 16: England v Nigeria, Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, 8:30am
Round of 16: Australia v Denmark, Stadium Australia, Sydney, 11.30am
Tuesday, August 8
Round of 16: Colombia v Jamaica, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, 9:00am
Round of 16: France v Morocco, Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide, 12:00pm
