Germany and South Korea played to a 1-1 draw in Group H of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, resulting in both teams being eliminated from the group stage. This marks the first time that Germany, a two-time tournament winner, has been eliminated at this stage in nine Women’s World Cup appearances.
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In the other Group H match held in Perth simultaneously, Morocco secured a 1-0 win over Colombia. Despite losing to Germany 6-0 in their opening match, they bounced back with two consecutive victories to finish as the group runner-up. Before the final round of group matches, Colombia led Group H with six points, followed by Germany and Morocco, both with three points. South Korea, despite being scoreless, also had a chance to qualify for the round of 16.
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South Korea had an early opportunity to score, with Casey Phair’s shot being tipped onto the post by German goalkeeper Merle Frohms. However, four minutes later, they succeeded in breaching Germany’s defense, as Lee Young-ju delivered a precise through-pass to Cho So-hyun, who scored the opening goal. Germany equalised just before half-time when Alexandra Popp’s textbook header found the top corner after a cross from the right by Svenja Huth.
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In the second half, Germany continued to attack in search of a win to advance to the knockout stages. Popp thought she had scored again with a header in the 57th minute, but the goal was disallowed by VAR for offside. Three minutes later, Popp’s powerful header hit the crossbar.
In the match between Morocco and Colombia, the former came out on top with a 1-0 victory. Anissa Lahmari’s conversion in first-half stoppage time proved decisive, as Morocco reached the knockout stages for the first time in a Women’s World Cup.
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In the 59th minute, Colombia’s Daniela Montoya almost equalised, but her effort was saved by Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. Despite creating several chances in the latter stages of the second half, Colombia were unable to convert them.
Colombia will face Jamaica in Melbourne in the next round, while Morocco, ranked 72nd in the world, will play against France in Adelaide.
