Germany in shock exit from World Cup, Colombia and Morocco progress
By Joel Gould
Two-time winners Germany are out of the Women’s World Cup in one of the biggest shocks in the tournament’s history.
The world No.2-ranked Germans were held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night to finish third in Group F and miss the knockout phase for the first time.
The 2003 and 2007 world champions only have themselves to blame. They had 16 minutes of second-half added time to find a winner in Brisbane but hardly looked likely.
South Korea stunned the Europeans in the sixth minute with a goal to 35-year-old midfielder Cho Sohyun.
It was looking dire until inspirational German captain Alexandra Popp headed home the equaliser on 42 minutes.
It was 1-1 at the break, but Morocco had taken a 1-0 lead in Perth against Colombia to move into second in the group.
German players react following their shock exit in Brisbane on Thursday night.Credit: AP
Morocco held on to that lead to secure the full three points.
As it stood at that point, Germany were in danger of an almost unthinkable exit and so it transpired.
In the second half, Popp thought she had headed home but VAR ruled she was offside. Popp hit the crossbar with another effort just on the hour mark and found the goalkeeper with another in the 73rd minute when she should have scored.
Germany pressed forward but apart from two shots at the death by substitute Sydney Lohmann, did not really challenge.
Women’s World Cup Round of 16
- Switzerland v Spain, 3pm Saturday, Eden Park
- Japan v Norway, 6pm Saturday, Wellington Regional Stadium
- Netherlands v South Africa, 12pm Sunday, Sydney Football Stadium
- Sweden v USA, 7pm Sunday, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
- England v Nigeria, 5.30pm Monday, Lang Park
- Australia v Denmark, 8.30pm Monday, Stadium Australia
- Colombia v Jamaica, 6pm Tuesday, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
- France v Morocco, 9pm Tuesday, Hindmarsh Stadium
The world No.17 South Koreans had a dream start to the match when Sohyun was left unmarked and slotted home a through ball from defender Lee Youngju.
Minutes earlier, forward Casey Phair had a clear shot that was deflected onto the post by Germany goalkeeper Merle Frohms.
Germany’s defence was rattled as South Korea went forward in waves of well coordinated attacking raids.
Popp stood tall to score her 66th international goal and fourth in this World Cup with a textbook header from a pinpoint cross, but it was the last goal Germany would score at the 2023 World Cup.
The shock result ended any chance of a heavyweight round-of-16 clash between France and Germany. Should Australia prevail against Denmark on Monday, they will now face either France or Morocco for a place in the semi-finals.
AAP
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