victory against Colombia
Morocco’s World Cup sensation destroys the DFB dream
08/03/2023 2:18 p.m
Colombia and Morocco reach the round of 16 in the German preliminary round group H at the World Cup. The Moroccans surprisingly prevailed against Colombia in the final group game – with bitter consequences for the DFB team.
Morocco’s football women are sensationally in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Four days after the 1-0 win against South Korea, the historic first win in a final round, the World Cup newcomers defeated Colombia 1-0 (1-0) in Perth and moved into the knockout phase as runners-up in the group – ahead of Germany a. France is waiting there on Tuesday. Group winners Colombia meets Jamaica.
Vice-African champions Morocco, who lost 6-0 to the DFB team at the start, gave the 17,342 spectators in Western Australia a gripping game against favorite Colombians. After a balanced first half, the North Africans took the lead with the half-time whistle, Anissa Lahmari (45+4) dusted off the penalty kick from Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak, which was initially blocked.
After the change of sides, Colombia pressed for the equalizer, captain Daniela Montoya (59th), Lorena Bedoya (59th) with a double chance and “child prodigy” Linda Caicedo (73rd) failed, however, to the brilliant Khadija Errmichi in the Moroccan goal. Center forward Mayra Ramirez missed the best opportunity in the 78th minute, whose spectacular finish smacked the post from a tight angle.
“This World Cup with its surprises is incredible. It’s the magic of top-level sport, nothing is certain in advance,” said Morocco coach Reynald Pedros, World Coach of the Year in 2018 and two-time Champions League winner with Olympique Lyon, who after the “historic Moment” had burst into tears of joy on the pitch.
“If we’ve managed to get thousands of young people to sign up for football, we’ve already made a positive difference. Today we’re very happy,” said the 51-year-old Frenchman, adding with a view to the round of 16 against the favorites his home country: “I know this French team perfectly, it’s an advantage.”