Fifa Women’s World Cup: South Korea hand Germany an early exit, Morocco and Colombia advance to round of 16
- Although South Korea stun two-time champions Germany by holding them to a 1-1 draw, both teams finish their World Cup tournament early
- Morocco and Colombia to face France and Jamaica respectively in round of 16 on Tuesday
History repeated itself on Thursday when two-time champions Germany crashed out of the women’s World Cup in the group stage for the first time, after being held 1-1 by South Korea.
The draw was not enough, as Morocco beat Colombia 1-0 in the other game and joined the South Americans in the last 16.
Five years ago, the German men had also suffered a first-ever group stage exit when they lost 2-0 against South Korea at the World Cup in Russia.
In Brisbane, South Korea led in the sixth minute from Cho So-hyun with their first goal of the tournament, and all the 2003 and 2007 champions Germany managed was a 42nd-minute equalizer from Alexandra Popp.
Captain Popp had another goal disallowed for offside and also headed against the bar as South Korea bowed out with pride after earning a first point.
Germany, who had earlier 2-1 lost to Colombia after starting with a 6-0 against Morocco, slipped to third in Group H and out of the tournament as debutants Morocco got their second win from Anissa Lahmari on the stroke of half-time in Perth.