PERTH: In a remarkable Women’s World Cup debut, Morocco qualified for the last 16, stunning Colombia with a 1-0 victory on Thursday, knocking out two-time former champions Germany in the process.
Anissa Lahmari, the goal-scorer, described it as an “explosion of joy” as the 72nd-ranked team in the world secured their spot in the knockout stage. They will face France on Tuesday.
Lahmari’s winning goal just before half-time separated the teams in Perth, but Morocco had to endure nerve-wracking moments as Germany and South Korea were tied at 1-1 in Brisbane and still playing. Germany needed a late goal to surpass Morocco on goal difference and progress from Group H, but they were unable to find it.
Morocco’s players and staff erupted in wild celebrations when they learned that Germany had not managed a late winner. It was a fairytale moment for Morocco, who bounced back from a humiliating 6-0 defeat in their debut match against Germany with wins over South Korea and now Colombia.
Coach Reynald Pedros said, “We came here as debutants. There was a lot of emotion and those emotions were overwhelming against Germany. We helped them continue to be motivated, made adjustments and there was a lot of hard work.”
Morocco’s Clash with France
The upcoming clash with France will be a special one for Pedros, who represented the country as a player. He said, “It is very special because it is France. I know the French team very well and maybe it will help us. They will be very difficult to play. If we have the same mindset, maybe we can go further. Our objective is not to stop now.”
Despite the defeat, Colombia finished at the top of the group and will face Jamaica in the next round. However, they will be without defender Manuela Vanegas, who received her second yellow card of the tournament.
In front of 17,342 fans in Perth, Morocco’s sole goal arrived just before half-time with Anissa Lahmari finding the net after Sakina Ouzraoui pounced on a rebound from a penalty save.
Morocco’s victory in the last 16 clash with Colombia marks a historic achievement for the debutant team, as they continue to surprise and impress at the World Cup.
