Morocco 1-0 Colombia: Anissa Lahmari goal sets up France showdown in last 16 for Women’s World Cup debutants

An historic Morocco side progressed to the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup after beating Colombia 1-0.

Morocco came out all guns blazing, to pile considerable pressure on Group H leaders, Colombia. To stay in the tournament, they needed to better the result of Germany, playing their final match against South Korea.

Their first time in a Women’s World Cup, having benefitted from considerable investment in the sport in recent years, their desire to progress was obvious.

Despite this, Colombia were unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Technically the better side, they couldn’t match Morocco’s pace in the first half.

Morocco played a pacy, attacking game in the first half, but failed to capitalise on chances, and at times the frustration showed, notably in Fatima Tagnaout who was a strong presence on the left wing.

Colombia also had opportunities with Linda Caicedo looking particularly threatening on the right wing, but despite some nerve wrecking moments for Khadija Er-Rmichi in goal, she was well supported by Nouhaila Benzima.

The breakthrough eventually came for Morocco in stoppage time after Ghizlane Chebbak’s penalty was saved by the keeper, but Anissa Lahmari caught it in the box to find the net and give Morocco the advantage.

Tensions rose in the second half and a flurry of fouls followed for a frustrated Colombian side. Caicedo led the attack joined by Mayra Ramirez who also heaped on the pressure, but couldn’t get past Er-Rmichi.

Though Morocco looked to tire in the second half and couldn’t replicate their pace in the first half, they held on for the win, and will face France in the round-of -16.

TALKING POINT – Can Colombia progress in the tournament?

Colombia will face Jamaica in their round of 16 match, and on the basis of their group stage games, the result would seem to be a forgone conclusion. Technically, a fantastic side, it will be interesting to see how they fare as the competition hots up.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Linda Caicedo

Caicedo looked consistently dangerous in attack, and made some incredible passes into the box. Despite this, at times she looked to be in some discomfort, and it remains to be seen if there are fitness issues to be resolved.

Morocco: Er-Rmichi 8, Ait El Haj 7, Benzina 7, El Chad 7, Redouani 7, Ouzraoui 6, Nakkach 6, Chebbak 7, Tagnaout 7, Jraidi 7, Lahmari 7. Subs: Amani 7, Ayane 6.

Colombia: Perez 6, Carolina Arias 6, Carabali 6, Daniela Arias 6, Vanegas 7, Durango 6, Montoya 7, Caicedo 8, Santos 7, Ramirez 8, Usme 7. Subs: Chacon 6, Ospina 6.

45+4’GOAL FOR MOROCCO! Chebbak steps up to take the penalty and meets the keeper. It’s Lahmari who eventually finds the net.

69’ ONLY A MATTER OF TIME FOR COLOMBIA? It feels like a goal from Colombia is inevitable at this stage. Caicedo seems a bit out of sorts though, perhaps. She’s receiving some treatment now.

78’ RAMIREZ HITS THE POST! Ramirez had a great chance there as Morocco were caught on the hop. She takes a low shot from the far side of the goal and meets the woodwork.

90+11’ UNBEARABLE TENSION! Ayane takes a shove and Morocco are awarded a free kick, but a yellow card is given for time wasting after they take a bit too long to deliver it. There’s a yellow card for Ramirez as well now as tensions rise.

Morocco are the third African team to progress to the round-of-16, after Nigeria and South Africa.

Morocco are the lowest ranked team to progress to the round-of-16 in this tournament.