Zac Electrifly

Korea Republic vs Morocco

The Korea Republic played Morocco. It was a Group H match. Morocco scored early in the game. #9 Ibtissam Jraidi scored the goal that gave Morocco their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup goal giving them their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup lead. The goal came from a cross that was headed in. Morocco held on to their 1-0 lead into halftime. Morocco received a yellow card in the 81′ minute. The match ended 1-0 Morocco.

Morocco got their first ever world cup win in a game that was very disappointing for the Korea Republic. The Korea Republic just could not get through the Morocco defense. The early goal made all of the difference. With that result the Korea Republic will have to win their final game or be eliminated.

Norway vs Philippines

Norway played the Philippines. This was the last group stage match for both teams. It was a Group A match. The Philippines would advance to the Round of 16 with a win. With a loss the Philippines would be eliminated. With a draw they could tie with Switzerland or New Zealand in which case it would come down to tie breakers. If Norway won and Switzerland won, Norway would advance. If Norway won and New Zealand won, It will come down to tie breakers between Norway and Switzerland. If Norway won and Switzerland against New Zealand ends in a draw, it would come down to tie breakers between Norway and New Zealand. If Norway lose or draw they would be eliminated.

Norway scored their first goal six minutes into the match. The opening goal was scored by #22 Sophie Roman Haug. The ball was lobbed into the box where she redirected it into the net. Norway scored again in the 17′ minute. It was #22 Sophie Roman Haug’s second goal of the night. The ball was again lobbed into the box where she headed it in. Norway scored their third goal of the match in the 31′ minute. That goal was scored by #10 Caroline Graham Hansen. The ball was lobbed towards the box but was cleared by the Philippines. She recovered the ball. Her shot from about twenty yards went in. At halftime it was 3-0 Norway.

Norway scored again in the 48′ minute. It was an own goal by the Philippines. The ball was centered in the box. While trying to block the pass the Philippines player redirected the ball into her own net. Norway was awarded a penalty kick in the 50′ minute. The Norway player was pushed down from behind in the box. After VAR (review) a penalty kick was awarded. #11 Guro Reiten scored on the penalty kick. The Philippines got a yellow card in the 54′ minute. In the 67′ minute Sofia Nicole Dador Harrison of the Philippines was given a red card after an aggressive challenge. Norway got a yellow card in the 86′ minute. Norway scored again in the 90+5′ minute. #22 Sophie Roman Haug scored her third goal of the night to complete the hat trick. She scored by heading in another crossed ball. The final score was 6-0 Norway.

This was just a dominate win from Norway. This is now the highest scoring game in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 so far. Norway was just deadly with their long ball in this game. I think this is the second game where the Philippines have scored an own goal in the tournament. This is also the second game in the tournament where the Philippines did not score a goal. With the result of this game the Philippines have been eliminated from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

Switzerland vs New Zealand

Switzerland played New Zealand. It was the final Group A group stage game and the final group stage game for both teams. Switzerland would advance to the Round of 16 with a win or draw. With a loss Switzerland would advance if Norway beat the Philippines. If Norway and the Philippines draw it would come down to tie breakers for the Philippines and Switzerland. If New Zealand won they would advance to the Round of 16. If they lose they would be eliminated. If they draw and the Philippines won or draw, they would be eliminated. If they lose and Norway won it will come down to tie breakers for Norway and New Zealand.

Neither team scored in the first half. The game would be at a 0-0 draw at halftime. Neither team scored in the second half either. The final score was a 0-0 draw.

Neither team was able to break through on offense. Switzerland just kind of stood back and was comfortable playing defense. It is not the result New Zealand wanted but the result secured moving on for Switzerland. With the result of this game, Switzerland won Group A and will be in the Round of 16. Norway and New Zealand ended tied in point so it came down to tie breakers to see who would advance. Norway won the tie breakers to come in second in Group A. Norway advanced to the Round of 16. New Zealand came in third in Group A and were eliminated.

Germany vs Colombia

Germany played Colombia in a Group H match. No one scored in the first half. The score was 0-0 at halftime. Colombia scored in the 52′ minute. The goal was scored by #18 Linda Caicedo. A shot from eighteen yards out was blocked by Germany but not cleared. Caicedo recovered the ball. She got through two defenders to take a shot and score. Germany got a yellow card in the 56′ minute. Colombia got a yellow card in the 62′ minute. Colombia got another yellow card in the 79′ minute. Colombia got another yellow in the 88′ minute. Germany tied the game in the 89′ minute with a goal from #11 Alexandra Popp. After a hard tackle from the Colombian keeper Germany was awarded a penalty kick. They scored on the penalty kick. in the 90+7′ minute Colombia scored the game winning goal. It was scored by #2 Manuela Vanegas. It was a corner kick that was headed in. The final score was 2-1 Colombia.

Huge upset for Germany here. Colombia stuck with it and were able to score the game winner. Colombia probably couldn’t be happier with the result. Germany is probably not happy at all with this match. With this result Colombia will be advancing to the Round of 16.

Switzerland won Group A. Nigeria lead Group B. Spain leads Group C. England leads Group D. The United States lead Group E. France lead Group F. Sweden lead Group G. Colombia now lead Group H.

Japan, Spain, England, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, and Colombia are advancing to the Round of 16. Costa Rica, Zambia, the Republic of Ireland, Vietnam, Panama, New Zealand, and the Philippines have been eliminated in the group stage.

Japan are playing Spain in Group C. Spain is favored to win this match. Both teams have already secured advancement to the Round of 16. The winner will of this game will win the group. If it ends in a draw Spain will win the group. Costs Rica are playing Zambia in the final Group C match. They have both are already been eliminated. This will be the final FIFA Women’s World Cup game for both teams. Both of these games will be played at the same time.

The Republic of Ireland is playing Nigeria. This is a Group B match. Nigeria is favored to win this match but it should still be close. The Republic of Ireland have already been eliminated. If Nigeria win or draw this match they will move on. If Nigeria lose and Australia wins, it will come down to tie breakers between Nigeria and Canada. If Canada beats Australia, Nigeria will advance.

In the final Group B match of the group stage, Canada will take on Australia. Australia is favored to win this match but it should be another close match. The winning team will advance to the Round of 16. If the game ends in a draw Canada will advance with Australia possibly tying Nigeria. If Canada lose they could tie with Nigeria. If Australia lose they will be eliminated. Both Group B games will be played at the same time.