Perth’s grand stadium on Thursday witnessed some heart-palpitation moments as World Cup debutants Morocco scripted a jaw-dropping chapter in soccer historical past, defeating Colombia 1-0 and sealing their spot within the final 16.
Meanwhile, like their male counterparts, two-time champions Germany suffered a heartbreaking early exit from the match.
Morocco stormed to 6 factors, securing the runners-up place in Group H simply behind Colombia, because of a superior aim distinction.
As if it’s a ghost haunting each the person’s and the ladies’s nationwide groups, Germany’s heartbreak was sealed as they have been held to a 1-1 draw by a spirited South Korea in Brisbane, dashing their goals of progressing additional within the competitors.
In the knockout phases, Colombia will lock horns with a formidable Jamaican workforce, whereas Morocco face a tricky problem towards powerhouse France.
For Morocco, this triumph was nothing in need of a fairytale.
Surprisingly, they have been left reeling after an embarrassing 6-0 loss of their debut match towards Germany.
They have bounced again with a vengeance, securing essential victories over South Korea and Colombia.
A second of sheer brilliance simply earlier than half-time outlined the conflict between Morocco and Colombia.
Ibtissam Jraidi’s dazzling run was interrupted within the field by a slipshod Daniela Arias, awarding Morocco a golden alternative from the penalty spot.
But what transpired subsequent was pure magic.
Captain Ghizlane Chebbak unleashed a thunderous shot, solely to be denied by the extraordinary reflexes of goalkeeper Catalina Perez, who soared via the air, tipping the ball away to her left.
However, soccer may be unpredictable, and future had different plans.
Sakina Ouzraoui seized the rebound with lightning velocity and cleverly laid it off to the goal-hungry Anissa Lahmari, who made no mistake from point-blank vary.
Donning their iconic yellow shirts, Colombia fielded a full-strength squad, their spirits excessive after securing a spot within the final 16 earlier than this match.
And amid this spectacle, one Colombian participant stood out as a real inspiration.
Linda Caicedo, the Real Madrid striker, has been via a tumultuous journey, battling ovarian most cancers on the tender age of 15.
But her willpower and resilience noticed her absolutely recovering and returning to the game she loves. In this significant match, she stood tall, main her workforce’s attacking cost.
Morocco, nevertheless, had different plans.
Coach Reynald Pedros had implored his gamers to embrace aggression, and so they did so with aplomb.
From the opening minute, a decided Jraidi compelled Perez into an early save, setting the tone for a relentless Moroccan assault.
As the sport progressed, the attacking aptitude of Morocco turned evident, with Chebbak and Fatima Tagnaout orchestrating the midfield superbly.
Tagnaout’s exact cross arrange Lahmari for a thunderous long-range strike, but it surely sailed a tad over the bar, maintaining Colombia on their toes.
Colombia tried to mount a comeback with Caicedo within the highlight, however a tough sort out to her foot left her writhing in ache.
Nonetheless, she displayed braveness and tenacity, making her presence felt with menacing dashes down the appropriate flank, solely to be pissed off by Morocco’s resolute protection.
The Moroccan fairy story continued, leaving followers in awe as they defended their slender lead valiantly.
Colombia relentlessly pushed ahead, with Daniela Montoya unleashing a robust bullet that appeared destined for the online, however Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi pulled off a miraculous save to disclaim them.
Ramirez, too, gave it her all, slamming a ferocious shot from an acute angle that rattled the appropriate put up.
But Morocco’s protection held agency, refusing to bow right down to the mounting strain.
The match drama continued after the ultimate whistle blew, as each groups needed to maintain their breaths, ready for the Germany-South Korea match outcomes which held the final 16 berth keys.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
