Germany was sent crashing out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup following a frustrating 1-1 draw with the Republic of Korea in Brisbane on Thursday.
The Taeguk Ladies took the lead after just six minutes through So Hyun Cho, only for Alex Popp to level late in the first half.
This meant Germany needed to find a goal which never came – therefore condemning the Europeans to a first-ever group-stage exit.
The Republic of Korea came flying out of the traps and almost took the lead in the opening minutes.
This was when Casey Phair was sent through, but she saw her effort turned on to the post by Merle Frohms.
Die Nationalelf didn’t heed that warning, though, and just minutes later, Cho was put clear via a defence-splitting pass from Young J u Lee and made no mistake in finding the bottom-left corner.
Meanwhile, Morocco has reached the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup after securing a nervy 1-0 win over Colombia, who progressed as Group H winners after finishing ahead on goal difference with two wins.
The win means it would be the first time three African teams will progress from the group stage as Morocco joined Nigeria and South Africa to secure a historic second-round berth.
The African side had to wait for a few minutes after the match to confirm their qualification as Germany’s failure to defeat South Korea means Morocco would qualify as runners-up.
Anissa Lahmari scored the only goal via a rebound after captain Ghizlane Chebbak’s penalty was saved in the 45th minute.
Morocco lost 6-0 to Germany in the opening match but wins against South Korea and Colombia sealed a historic second-round qualification for the Africans on their first-ever appearance at the world cup.
The stellar run for the African teams continues as three of the four representatives made it to the second round with the exception of Zambia.
Morocco will play Jamacia in the round of 16 on August 8 while South Africa’s Bayana Bayana will play Group E winners the Netherlands in the last 16 on Sunday and Nigeria will face European Champions, England on Monday.