cco has secured a stunning victory, edging out Germany to claim a spot in the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Today, the Atlas Lionesses emerged triumphant with a narrow 1-0 win against Group H leaders, Colombia, ensuring their qualification for the Round of 16.
Morocco’s Group H journey
Despite suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat against Germany in their debut group game, the Moroccan team bounced back and secured a 1-0 victory against South Korea in their second match.
Ibtissam Jraïdi’s goal in the sixth minute proved to be the decisive factor, reigniting hope that Morocco had the potential to excel in the tournament.
In their final group game, Reynald Pedro’s team was awarded a penalty just before halftime.
Ghizlane Chebbak initially missed the strike, but Anissa Lahmari capitalized on the rebound in the 4th minute of added time, securing another 1-0 victory for Morocco.
Despite Lina Caicedo’s impressive performance for Colombia in their game against South Korea, the 18-year-old was unable to find the net this time, leading to Morocco’s triumphant 1-0 win.
Germany fail while Morocco triumph
After their game in Perth, the Atlas Lionesses had to wait at the Rectangular Stadium for the match between South Korea and Germany to conclude in Brisbane.
Despite a valiant effort from two-time champions Germany, who were granted 15 minutes of injury time, they were unable to find an equalizer, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Unfortunately, this means that Die Nationalelf failed to progress to the knockout stages for the first time in the team’s history. They exit the competition after finishing third in Group H.
Germany have CRASHED out of the World Cup in the group stage 🤯🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/pR9LXc8J6J
— Women’s Transfer News (@womenstransfer) August 3, 2023
The Atlas Lionesses celebrate in emotional style
Upon the final whistle being blown at the Suncorp Stadium, the Moroccan national team were huddled together eagerly awaiting the news – had they or had they not progressed?
ITV has published a video via Twitter which shows the raw reaction of Pedro’s squad discovering that they had indeed made it out of the group stages.
Stop what you are doing and watch this video with the SOUND ON 🥹🇲🇦
This is the moment tournament debutants Morocco realised they’d made it through to #FIFAWWC knockout stages at the expense of Germany 👏 pic.twitter.com/Gszz8bzJLG
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) August 3, 2023
At the start of the video clip, the Moroccan women were visibly emotional, with some shedding tears, closing their eyes, and waving to the cheering crowd.
When the news of their historic achievement sank in, the team erupted in joy and excitement, breaking away from their huddle in sheer elation.
Head coach Reynald Pedro, aged 51, was seen overcome with emotions, shedding tears of happiness, while another member of the staff offered comfort and congratulations for the team’s remarkable accomplishment.
The moment dreams became reality. 🥹@EnMaroc | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 3, 2023
Fans have reacted to the historic win and celebrations
Following the clip of the emotional celebrations being posted to Twitter, fans have come out in their droves to congratulate the deserving team and support them in their celebrations.
One said: “Watch this over (sic) and over again, and just focus on a different person each time. It is absolutely lovely, every single time.”
A second commented: “This is EVERYTHING. Expanding to 32 teams was a brilliant move and look how well it’s worked out!”
1Another wrote: “ I’m old enough to remember 1998. As a Coventry City supporter surrounded by Scottish family, the heartbreak of Hadji and Chippo when the word of Norway’s late winner is forever etched in my brain. I’m thrilled there was no repeat 25 years later.”
“This is what football is about blood sweat and tears these woman deserve it what a group and what a game,” commented another.
The Morocco men’s and women’s teams are making history 🥹 Both sides have now advanced the furthest in their respective World Cups in a space of 8 months 🤯🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/cBgFOpWKkZ
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) August 3, 2023
Who will Morocco play in the Round of 16?
Morocco have made history and will now advance to the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
They are due to come up against heavyweights France on Tuesday, 8 August at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, Australia.