Happy Thursday! If you were worried about the U.S. women's national team, Germany would like to have a chat. The Women's World Cup group stage came to a dramatic close today when Germany failed to make the knockout stage for the first time ever, while Morocco made history by booking their spot in the round of 16 in their first participation. I'm Pardeep Cattry, and here's what you need to know as the knockout stage approaches.
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📺 Women's World Cup latest results
- Group H: Morocco 1, Colombia 0
- Group H: South Korea 1, Germany 1
📺 Footy Fix
See below for the full round of 16 slate, and click here for the full bracket.
All times U.S./Eastern
Saturday, August 5
Switzerland vs. Spain, 1 a.m. ➡️ FS1
Japan vs. Norway, 4 a.m. ➡️ FS1
Netherlands vs. South Africa, 10 p.m. ➡️ Fox
Sunday, August 6
Sweden vs. United States, 5 a.m. ➡️ Fox
Monday, August 7
England vs. Nigeria, 3:30 a.m. ➡️ FS1
Australia vs. Denmark, 6:30 a.m. ➡️ FS1
Tuesday, August 8
Colombia vs. Jamaica, 4:30 a.m. ➡️ FS1
France vs. Morocco, 7 a.m. ➡️ FS1
⚽ World Cup today: What to know
Germany shockingly out, Morocco in: In arguably the biggest shock in Women's World Cup history, Germany were eliminated in the group stage for the first time ever following a 1-1 draw with South Korea. It was a series of unfortunate events for the two-time champions, who conceded first but were never able to add to their tally following Alexandra Popp's first-half equalizer despite taking 14 shots. Germany end the group stage with four points and a +5 goal differential, having scored eight goals, one more than the rest of their Group H opponents combined.
Germany's shot at the round of 16 took a hit when Morocco scored on Colombia in first-half stoppage time, which meant the African side finished the group with six points despite a -4 goal differential and just two goals scored. The loss did not put much of a dent in Colombia's knockout fate -- they still finished top of the group level on points with Morocco but with a +2 goal difference. Colombia will face Jamaica next, while Morocco take on France.
Morocco are only adding to their historic World Cup journey Down Under. Last year's Africa Cup of Nations finalists became the first Arab nation to qualify for the Women's World Cup and recognized the gravity of the moment before their first match.
"We are the first generation that can walk this path. We hope that will inspire other footballers in Morocco," captain Ghizlane Chebbak said, per ESPN.
They also hoped to leave a mark on the pitch, too.
"We are not here just to make up the numbers but to compete," Chebbak said, according to Reuters.
Mission accomplished.
Onto the knockouts: The World Cup takes a break tomorrow but returns early on Saturday when Switzerland face Spain to kick off the round of 16. The major matchup of the round, without a doubt, is the USWNT's match against Sweden on Sunday. The reigning champions are under pressure to recalibrate after an unimpressive group stage and only one win under their belts, while Sweden picked up three wins out of three and hope to be the latest team to knock out one of the World Cup favorites. If the group stage has taught us anything, though, there could be more than one upset on the cards.
This round of 16 is already one for the record books, too. Three teams will play their first Women's World Cup knockout games in 2023, and this year also marks the first time three African nations will compete in the latter stages of the tournament. A chance to disrupt the previous world order awaits -- seven Europeans joined the USWNT in the quarterfinals in 2019, and the likes of Japan, Australia, and Jamaica aim to change things up (and avoid a "boring" last eight, as Tobin Heath described it in 2019).
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Here are a few more World Cup headlines:
🔗 Marta's World Cup career came to an end yesterday, but not without two passionate speeches to ensure her legacy as an advocate for women's soccer endures.
🔗 Morning Footy celebrated the underdog stories at the World Cup.
🔗 Attacking Third discussed the adjustments the USWNT should make as Rose Lavelle serves a suspension against Sweden.
🔗 Attacking Third also chatted about the biggest positive for the USWNT so far: a solid defense that has only conceded one shot on goal.
🔗 Attacking Third and Morning Footy also recapped Marta's legacy and were full of praise for her legendary accomplishments.
🔗 Darian Jenkins shared her experiences of playing with Marta for the Orlando Pride on Attacking Third.
🔗 Attacking Third also covered the iconic meeting between Marta and Bunny Shaw after Brazil's elimination.