Morocco beat Colombia 1-0 to reach the Women’s World Cup knockout stages, creating yet more history at the tournament.
Morocco have become the first Arab or North African nation to go beyond the group stages at the Women’s World Cup, and the only one of eight tournament newcomers to advance.
Their winning goal came in first-half stoppage time, when Anissa Lahmari scored from a penalty rebound, after captain Ghizlane Chebbak saw her spot-kick saved.
The win means Morocco qualify second place in the group, behind Colombia, and their win ensured two-time champions Germany could not progress. The No 2-ranked side needed a win over South Korea in a game being played simultaneously in Brisbane, but were held to a 1-1 draw.
If Morocco’s qualification for the Women’s World Cup inspired a generation, this will cement the legacy of the Atlas Lionesses.
The Moroccans were trounced 6-0 by Germany in their debut game in the tournament, but bounced back with consecutive wins over South Korea and a Colombia team that had been growing in confidence after edging Germany.
Colombia had its best scoring chance in the 59th minute, when its 18-year-old superstar, Linda Caicedo, delivered a ball to the far post, but Daniela Montoya’s first-time effort was saved by the outreached leg of goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
SkySports
