Twice former winners Germany shockingly crashed out in the opening phase of the Women’s World Cup for the first time after a 1-1 draw with South Korea in their final Group H match.
The Germans, champions in 2003 and 2007 and ranked second in the world, had needed a win to be sure of progressing but Morocco’s 1-0 win over Colombia in the other group match in Perth sent both teams through to the last 16. South Korea took a shock lead early on when Cho So-hyun found the net and although the prolific Alexandra Popp headed in an equaliser before half-time, Germany couldn’t find the goal that would have salvaged their World Cup.
Meanwhile, Morocco are the first Arab or North African nation to go this far at the Women’s World Cup. They are the only one of eight tournament debutants to advance and their winning goal came in first-half stoppage time when Anissa Lahmari bundled the ball home after Ghizlane Chebbak’s penalty was saved by a diving Catalina Perez.
Elsewhere, Lauren James shone again with two stunning goals as England put in their best performance of the Women’s World Cup so far earlier this week to sweep aside China 6-1 and march into the last 16. The Lionesses are now preparing for a clash with Nigeria for a place in the quarter-finals.
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