Women's World Cup 2023: Morocco through to last 16 after huge win over Colombia

Morocco has qualified for the Women's World Cup knockout stages after a historic 1-0 win over Colombia. 

The Atlas Lionesses went ahead after captain Ghizlane Chebbak missed a penalty late in the first half, but the rebound was tapped in by midfielder Anissa Lahmari. 

Qualifying for the last 16 seemed highly unlikely just a week ago after Morocco slumped to a heavy 6-0 defeat in their opener against Germany. 

But a shock 1-0 victory on Sunday over South Korea - ranked 55 places above them - revived the North African team's chances. 

Germany subsequently lost to Colombia and drew with South Korea on Thursday, ending their involvement in the tournament. 

The Germans, ranked second in the world, are one of the most successful women's national teams in history and were touted to go far in this year's tournament. They have won two World Cups, in 2003 and 2007, and eight of the thirteen UEFA European Championships. 

Morocco will now play France in the last 16 on Tuesday - a repeat of the men's World Cup semi final in December, following the Atlas Lions' fairytale run to the latter stages of the tournament in Qatar.

Now the women's side are making more history of their own, after already becoming the first Arab team to take to the field in a Women's World Cup, with this the ninth to be staged, last week.

Of the eight debutants at this year's tournament, Morocco were the only to earn a place in the knockout stages. 

They had early chances through Ibtissam Jraidi and Chebbak, looking the more threatening team in the first half.

Jraidi was fouled clumsily in the 45th minute, leading to the missed penalty which was eventually turned in by Lahmari. 

Colombia improved in the second half, hitting the post and forcing Moroccan keeper Khadija Er-Rmichi into a string of saves. 

After the final whistle, Morocco's players and coaching staff gathered in a huddle waiting for the final whistle to be blown in the game between Germany and South Korea.

When that match finally ended 1-1, they erupted in huge scenes of celebration.

Pundits have described Morocco's advance to the last 16 as one of the biggest shocks in Women's World Cup history, particularly after the opening game hammering by Germany.