We conclude the round of 16 with four more teams fighting for their place in the quarter-finals at the Women’s World Cup. Colombia will go up againtst Jamaica who are entering their first ever knockout game, and Morocco’s first round of 16 game in their maiden campaign will be played against world number five France.
Colombia vs Jamaica:
Jamaica will hope to continue their solid performances going as they make their way into the round of 16 where they face Group H winners Colombia at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. Jamaica had a early shot at goal in the third minute from Jody Brown but completely missed the target from close range.
Catalina Usme’s curling effort almost found the back of the net in the 30th minute, but Jamaica goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer was able to punch the ball away. Jorelyn Carabali had a big chance to find the opener for Colombia just before the break, but couldn’t find the back of the net and the scores remained goalless into the half-time break.
Colombia finally got their goal in the 51st minute through Catalina Usme after an Ana Guzman cross was able spot her at the backpost, where she was able to compose herself and place it into the bottom left corner.
Colombia score and Melbourne goes WILD 💥
The first touch is immaculate. The finish, even better.
A sea of yellow erupts 🇨🇴
Watch 📲 https://t.co/udsL3nzpw0#FIFAWWC #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/lqWJGKjS72— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 8, 2023
Not so long after, Jody Brown could’ve equalised for Jamaica but unfortunately her header struck the near post and the Colombians were able to clear their lines and keep their fragile lead.
It was a nervy last ten minutes of normal time where Drew Spence almost scored the leveller but her header just fell wide of the goal. on the other end of the pitch, Leicy Santos’ diving header could’ve sealed the win in the 86th minute but hit the far post.
However, Colombia were able to hold on for the remainder of the game and claim an important win against the Reggae Girlz where they will play England in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
France vs Morocco:
After qualifying for the round of 16, Morocco will aim to surprise European giants France in their opening knockout game at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium. Tournament favourites France controlled possession from the get-go and were able to test Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi early through Kenza Dali and Selma Bacha.
Les Bleus found the breakthrough in the 15th minute after some nice interplay allowing Sakina Karchaoui to get in behind and pick out Kadidiatou Diani unmarked in the box who headed it past Er-Rmichi.
Five minutes later, Kenza Dali doubled France’s advantage after a cutback where Diani was able to spot her on the edge of the box and she struck it into the bottom left corner with some help from the post.
Eugenie Le Sommer got herself on the scoresheet in the 23rd minute increasing their lead to three where Diani was involved once again in the build-up to the goal. France’s number 11 was able to put the pressure on Nesryne El Chad forcing her to make a mistake at the back, falling into the path of Le Sommer who slotted it into the back of the net to give the French a three-goal lead into half-time.
Le Sommer scored her second of the night in the 70th minute after a cross by substitute Vicki Becho was able to reach the French number nine at the backpost, heading it into the back of the net and increasing their lead to four.
Diani was so close to putting France five goals up in the 77th minute but had too much power on her shot and flew over the Moroccon goal. Despite the missed opportunity, France had more than enough goals to secure their spot in the quarter-finals where they will play Australia on Saturday.
Image Credit: @aleksandarjason
