Germany Shockingly Crash Out of 2023 Women’s World Cup at Group Stage
Germany have shockingly crashed out of the 2023 Women’s World Cup at the group stage after a 1-1 draw with South Korea. Going into the final group games, the Germans knew that victory would guarantee their spot in the knockout stage regardless of the result between Columbia and Morocco in the other Group H match.
Though they had lost to Columbia in their last game, the side ranked No.2 in the world were still largely expected to ease past Korea, especially after they had thrashed Morocco 6-0 in their opening fixture.
Germany Struggle to Find Their Footing
But things got off to the worst possible start for the Euro 2022 runners-up, as Cho So-hyun sliced through their defence to slot home the opening goal after just six minutes. Germany struggled to deal with their opponents in the early phases of the match but eventually found their footing, equalising shortly before half-time through star striker and captain Alexandra Popp.
This would have been enough to send them through as long as Morocco failed to beat Columbia, but just as the Germans headed down the tunnel for the break, the African nation were awarded a penalty. And though Ghizlane Chebbak’s spot-kick was saved, Anissa Lahmari was on hand to get the rebound over the line after a scramble in the box.
Morocco Advance to Knockouts
Only a win would do now, but despite dominating possession Germany simply couldn’t create enough meaningful chances and when Popp did find the back of the net it was ruled narrowly offside. Thanks to injuries, stoppage time went on for over 15 minutes and as Morocco saw out their 1-0 win, Germany threw everything at it, with Sydney Lohmann firing an effort just over the bar in the dying seconds.
But it wasn’t to be, with Fara Williams describing the result as ‘the biggest shock in the women’s game’. The England legend told BBC Sport: ‘Wow. I’m in shock, I really am. For Germany, European Championship finalist only a year ago to be knocked out in the group stage, having gone into the group stage as favourites.’
Brazil Also Out at Group Stage
It is the first time the two-time World Cup winners have ever been knocked out at the group stage and bared a striking resemblance to the last two men’s tournaments where Die Mannschaft were shockingly eliminated before the round of 16. It is the second huge upset of this tournament, following Brazil’s exit on Wednesday.
Germany were expected to top Group H and had things gone as predicted they would have faced England in the quarter-finals. Now, should they beat Nigeria in the round of 16, the Lionesses will take on either Columbia or Nigeria in the quarters.
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