NEW DELHI: In a stunning upset, debutants Morocco achieved a 1-0 victory over Colombia in their final group match at the Women's World Cup in Perth on Thursday. With this victory, Morocco progressed to the Round of 16 in their first-ever World Cup appearance, alongside Colombia.
The decisive goal came in the 72nd minute when Anissa Lahmari managed to poke the ball into the net after a penalty was saved at the end of the first half. The penalty was awarded to Morocco after Colombia's Daniela Arias fouled forward Ibtissam Jraidi in the penalty area.
Although Colombia's goalkeeper, Catalina Perez, made a diving save to deny Ghizlane Chebbak's penalty, Lahmari seized the opportunity in the goalmouth scramble to secure the vital goal.
Morocco's passage to the Round of 16 was only confirmed after South Korea held twice champions Germany to a 1-1 draw in the other Group H match. Colombia topped the group with six points, edging out Morocco on goal difference, while Germany and South Korea were eliminated from the tournament.
Morocco's journey in the Women's World Cup began with a heavy defeat of 6-0 against Germany, but they rebounded with a 1-0 victory over South Korea.
Now, they will face a tough challenge in the Round of 16 as they meet France in Adelaide. Meanwhile, Colombia, despite the loss, also progressed to the next round and will be facing Jamaica in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Throughout the match, both teams created opportunities, but Morocco's goalkeeper, Khadija Er-Rmichi, played a crucial role in denying Colombia's attempts to find an equaliser. With an intense and thrilling finish, Morocco managed to hold on and continue their fairy-tale start to their maiden World Cup campaign.
(With Reuters inputs)
