2023 Women's World Cup: Morocco's 'explosion of joy' comes after years of work and investment

Morocco’s celebration erupted after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Colombia, secured by Anissa Lahmari’s goal from Ghizlane Chebbak’s missed penalty rebound. Meanwhile, the team’s fate hinged on the Germany vs. South Korea match. When Germany was held to a 1-1 draw and eliminated from the tournament, Morocco’s elation knew no bounds. This historic moment marks their first-ever qualification to the Women’s World Cup Round of 16, making them the last debutant standing among the eight newcomers in Australia and New Zealand.

This success is the culmination of extensive investment and commitment to women’s football in Morocco. Starting in 2009, the country prioritized the development of footballers of all genders through its football academy. The recent opening of the King Mohammed VI Training Complex in 2019 and the professionalization of the National Women’s League in 2020 further solidified their dedication. The annual budget for women’s football saw a significant increase, reaching $65 million, reflecting Morocco’s determination to become a football force on the global stage.

The progress made by the women’s team mirrors the extraordinary achievements of Morocco’s men’s team at the 2022 World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals. With this qualification, Morocco became the second African nation after Nigeria in 1998 and 1999 to advance to the knockout stages of both the men’s and women’s World Cups.

Looking ahead, Morocco’s journey faces a challenging test against France, managed by Herve Renard, who previously coached Morocco’s men’s team at the 2018 World Cup. Despite the upcoming tough match, Morocco’s manager, Reynald Pedros, remains hopeful and determined to continue their progress.

This Women’s World Cup has been full of surprises, with top-ranked teams exiting in the group stage and underdogs like Morocco advancing. Despite a rough start with a 6-0 loss to Germany, Morocco’s perseverance and dedication have earned them their well-deserved spot in the Round of 16. Their qualification serves as an inspiring chapter in the unpredictable and thrilling tale of this year’s Women’s World Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about women’s football triumph

1. What was the outcome of the match between Morocco and Colombia in the Women’s World Cup?

Answer: Morocco secured a 1-0 victory against Colombia, with Anissa Lahmari scoring the winning goal from Ghizlane Chebbak’s missed penalty rebound.

2. How did Morocco’s qualification for the Women’s World Cup Round of 16 happen?

Answer: Morocco qualified for the Round of 16 after Germany was held to a 1-1 draw against South Korea, resulting in Germany’s elimination and Morocco’s progression.

3. How significant is Morocco’s qualification to the Round of 16?

Answer: This is a historic moment as it marks Morocco’s first-ever qualification to the Women’s World Cup Round of 16, making them the last debutant team remaining in the tournament.

4. What factors contributed to Morocco’s success in women’s football?

Answer: Morocco’s success can be attributed to years of investment and dedication in women’s football, including the establishment of a football academy, the opening of the King Mohammed VI Training Complex, and professionalizing the National Women’s League.

5. How does Morocco’s women’s team compare to the men’s team?

Answer: Morocco became the second African nation after Nigeria to reach the knockout stages of both the men’s and women’s World Cups, showcasing their prowess in both categories.

6. Who is Morocco’s next opponent in the Women’s World Cup?

Answer: Morocco’s next opponent is France, managed by Herve Renard, who previously coached Morocco’s men’s team at the 2018 World Cup.

7. How confident is Morocco’s manager, Reynald Pedros, about facing France?

Answer: Reynald Pedros is hopeful and determined, recognizing the challenge but aiming to progress further in the tournament by keeping the same mindset.

8. What makes the 2023 Women’s World Cup unique?

Answer: The 2023 Women’s World Cup has been filled with surprises, with top-ranked teams like Germany, Canada, and Brazil exiting in the group stage, while underdog teams like Morocco have progressed to the Round of 16.

9. How did Morocco recover from their initial 6-0 defeat to Germany?

Answer: Under the guidance of manager Reynald Pedros, the Moroccan team tightened up their play and secured deserved one-goal victories over South Korea and Colombia, bouncing back from their tough start.

10. How has Morocco’s women’s football progressed over the years?

Answer: Morocco’s progress in women’s football can be attributed to heavy investment, increased annual budgets, and a focused approach to developing international quality footballers at all levels.

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2023 Women’s World Cup: Morocco’s ‘explosion of joy’ comes after years of work and investment