Morocco beat Colombia; Germany knocked out of World Cup

In a surprising turn of events, debutants Morocco secured a spot in the Women’s World Cup last 16 by defeating Colombia 1-0 in their final group match in Perth. The world No. 72-ranked Moroccans scored through Anissa Lahmari’s rebound after a saved penalty at the end of the first half. Their advancement was confirmed after South Korea held two-time champions Germany to a 1-1 draw in the other Group H match.

With six points, Colombia topped the group, narrowly edging out runners-up Morocco on goal difference. As a result, both teams advanced to the knockout stage, and Morocco will now face France in Adelaide, while Colombia is set to play against Jamaica in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The match saw chances generated by both teams in the first half, with Morocco gaining a genuine scoring opportunity when Daniela Arias fouled Ibtissam Jraïdi in the penalty area just before halftime. Despite Las Cafeteras keeper Catalina Pérez saving the initial spot-kick, midfielder Lahmari capitalized on the rebound, nudging the ball into the net.

In the second half, Colombia dominated play as they searched for an equalizer. Still, Morocco’s goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi made crucial saves, including tipping a shot from teenage striker Linda Caicedo over the bar in the 72nd minute.

The intense finish led to end-to-end action, but Morocco held on for the crucial victory, and players and coaching staff eagerly gathered on the pitch to watch the end of the Germany game in Brisbane, as it could still impact their World Cup fate.