Preview: Morocco Women vs. Colombia Women
On Thursday, Morocco Women and Colombia Women will go head-to-head in the final round of group games at the Women’s World Cup 2023.
Colombia are sitting at the top of Group H with six points to their name, while Morocco are three points adrift in third position.
Morocco, who are competing in their first-ever appearance at a Women’s World Cup, were left reeling after being thumped 6-0 by Germany in their opening game of the tournament.
After getting off to a disastrous start, the Lionesses of Atlas showed great character to claim all three points in Sunday’s meeting with South Korea.
Ibtissam Jraidi gave her country the lead in the sixth minute, and Morocco managed to keep South Korea at bay for the remainder of the contest to claim their first victory at the Women’s World Cup.
Despite being the second-lowest ranked side at the tournament, Morocco head into the final round of group games with a chance of progressing to the last-16.
Due to Germany’s superior goal difference, the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finalists will need to better Germany’s result to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Preview: Morocco Women vs. Colombia Women – prediction, team news, lineups
Despite kicking off the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Korea, Colombia entered Sunday’s fixture against Germany as massive underdogs.
However, Colombia showcased the quality they possess to take the lead in the 52nd minute through Linda Caicedo, who created the space to produce an unstoppable strike into the top corner.
Their hopes of claiming a surprise victory looked to have dissipated when Catalina Perez brought down Lena Oberdorf in the box, allowing Alex Popp to restore parity from the penalty spot.
There was to be one final moment of drama, though, as Real Sociedad’s Manuela Vanegas headed home a 97th-minute winner to secure a historic victory and send her country to the top of Group H.
Colombia have all but qualified for the last-16, due to their significant goal-difference advantage over Morocco, and they will finish top of Group G if they avoid defeat on Thursday.
Morocco Women Women’s World Cup form:
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Colombia Women Women’s World Cup form:
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We say: Morocco Women 1-2 Colombia Women
After losing 6-0 to Germany in their opening game, Morocco would have restored some confidence with their narrow win over South Korea.
While they will have aspirations of claiming consecutive victories, we think the Lionesses of Atlas will be edged out by a Colombian side that are looking to clinch top spot in Group H.