Photo Credit: Chris Hyde – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Two-time World Champions and number two ranked side, Germany, have been eliminated from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ at the group stage after a 1-1 draw with Korea Republic.

Having started the tournament in impressive fashion with a 6-0 victory over Morocco, the 2003 and 2007 champions suffered defeat to Colombia in their second match and then what proved to be a fatal draw against Korea Republic, themselves also heading home.

Cho Sohyun gave Korea an early lead in the 6th minute, taking advantage of a slack offside trap from the Germans to find herself one-on-one with goalkeeper Merle Frohms, duly sliding the ball into the corner with the upmost of confidence.

One of the pre-tournament favourites, Germany found a way back in when their talismanic forward Alexandra Popp rose to head home from a Svenja Huth cross just before half-time.

That proved to be the only point for Germany, as they toiled in the second-half but could not find that crucial winner, which coupled with Morocco’s victory over Colombia, ensured the earliest of exits for one of the giants of women’s football.

Korea Republic: 1 (CHO Sohyun 6′)
Germany: 1 (Alexandra POPP 42′)

HT: 1-1

Morocco and Colombia have both advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ following their clash in Perth.

Colombia had overcome both Korea Republic and Germany in their two previous group matches, whilst Morocco came in with confidence following a 1-0 win over Korea.

With one eye on the result Brisbane, it was tight match, and whilst Colombia enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession, there was an equal number of attempts produced on goal throughout the 90 minutes.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 03: Hanane Ait El Haj and Fatima Tagnaout of Morocco celebrate advancing to the knock out stage after the 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Morocco and Colombia at Perth Rectangular Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The defining moment came with seconds left on the clock in the first period, when Ibtissam Jraidi was upended in the area and referee Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi pointed to the spot.

Ghizlane Chebbak saw her effort from 12 yards well saved by Cataline Perez but the goalkeeper could only push the ball towards the onrushing Anissa Lahmari and the forward converted the rebound to give her side a crucial lead.

It was an advantage that the African side never let up, holding on to confirm a famous victory and their place alongside Colombia in the knockout stages.

Morocco: 1 (Anissa LAHMARI 45+4′)
Colombia: 0

HT: 1-0