The World Cup in Australia and New Zealand never ceases to amaze. If yesterday we saw how Brazil was eliminated by Jamaica, and before that Canada -Olympic gold medalist- also packed up, today it was Germany that put an end to the World Cup dream. The current runners-up in Europe were not able to do their homework against South Korea (1-1) and saw a heroic Morocco take the second ticket to the round of 16 after winning against all odds against Colombia.
Anissa Lahmari’s goal enters the history books of the Moroccan team. The ‘lionesses’ of the Atlas have achieved an unusual qualification for the round of 16, where they will meet France. In their first participation in a World Cup, Reynald Pedros’ men have given the bell with a triumph that goes far beyond football, which will inspire a whole generation of women in Morocco. With Nouhaila Benzina, the first woman to wear a hijab in a World Cup, on the pitch, they certified an incredible feat.
They not only knew how to defend themselves against a rival, on much higher paper. They were brave and even accumulated more shots on goal (6) than Colombia (3). With his part fulfilled, after the initial whistle, emotions were mixed. Players who were crying and screaming after having achieved something historic, others asking for calm and approaching the staff’s cell phones to follow an eternal added time in Korea-Germany.
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s men were surprised after 6 minutes of the game by Sohyun Cho’s goal, making life difficult in a group in which they started as favourites. On the brink of rest Alexandra Popp appeared. Who else. The captain, the leader of this team. With a header she sent the ball into the back of the net and put the equalizer with time to react. Germany tried, but it was not enough. Not even the added 16 minutes were enough to turn the score around. And the tragedy was consummated.
While in Brisbane the Germans and Koreans said goodbye to the World Cup, in Perth the tears were of joy. Those of Colombia, but especially those of Morocco. They will now have time to celebrate and recuperate before another David vs. Goliath fight. On Tuesday (1:00 p.m.) Morocco will face France, in a special duel for the French country. Three hours before (10am) Colombia and Jamaica will also fight for a place in the quarterfinals of the craziest World Cup on record.
