Morocco Claims First Ever Women’s World Cup Victory
Debutants Morocco claimed its first ever victory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 1-0 win against South Korea in their Group H encounter on Sunday, confirming the Asian side’s exit at the Coopers Stadium in Adelaide, Australia.
The Africans made an early breakthrough with its first ever World Cup goal in the 6th minute from striker Ibtissam Jraidi after a lovely piece of play.
A cross from Morocco defender Hanane Ait El Haj from the right was met by Jraidi, who delivered a brilliant glancing header that went in at the far post, beating South Korea goalkeeper Kim Jung-mi
South Korea’s Park Eun-sun almost equalised with a diving header of her own at the other end, but the forward saw her effort go wide, much to the relief of Morocco goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina, who became the first player to wear a headscarf at the Women’s World Cup, made crucial interventions to keep her team in the game.
Benzina even took one for the team when she deliberately clipped Ji So-yun, who was racing through on goal during a counterattack.
The Moroccan was given a yellow card by the referee and she accepted without protest. The Asians looked for a way back into the match but were always met by the resilient defence of Morocco as the game finished 1-0.
Debut #FIFAWWC goal. ✅
Debut #FIFAWWC win. ✅@EnMaroc | #BeyondGreatness— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 30, 2023
“My players are fantastic, they have a fantastic mindset,” Morocco head coach Reynald Pedros said after the match as he was full of praise for his side after their historic FIFA Women’s World Cup victory.
He added that his side “needed to focus on what was lying ahead” after defeat to Germany in their opening match.
Morocco are level with Germany and Colombia with three points ahead of their game later on Sunday. South Korea have zero points and will be eliminated if Germany avoid defeat.
Dance like you’ve won your first ever #FIFAWWC match! 🪩@EnMaroc | #BeyondGreatness
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 30, 2023
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