Co-hosts New Zealand has been knocked out of the World Cup in heartbreaking fashion, missing out on a place in the knockouts only on goal difference.
New Zealand claimed their first-ever World Cup win in the first match of the tournament, stunning former champions Norway 1-0. Having failed to win in any of their 15 prior World Cup games across five tournament appearances, the win was a milestone moment and inspired the nation to believe they could make it out of the group stage for the first time ever.
However, they then fell to debutants Philippines – led by Australian former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic – 1-0.
It came down to the final Group A matchday on Sunday, with New Zealand playing Switzerland at the same time as the Philippines faced Norway.
New Zealand’s Football Ferns needed to win to guarantee progression for the first time in history, while a draw could have been enough only if Norway did not demolish Philippines.
But Norway shook off their slow start to the tournament by crushing the Philippines 6-0 – with five goals coming before the minnows suffered a red card in the 67th minute.
Sophia Roman Haug scored a brilliant hat-trick, shining in the absence of injured former Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg.
It meant that Norway joined New Zealand on four points behind Switzerland’s five – but with the Europeans boasting a far better goal difference after their big win.
It meant that by the halftime break, New Zealand would have checked the score from the other game and realised only a win would be enough.
The hosts threw everything at the Swiss – who knew they only needed a draw to guarantee progression – but simply couldn’t find a way through.
Keeper Victoria Esson even went forward for three set pieces in stoppage time, and managed to get a header in the fifth minute of additional time, but could only directed it wide.
There were tears at the final whistle as New Zealand’s promising performance at this tournament crumbled.
It meant that New Zealand became the very first host nation to ever be knocked out in the World Cup group stage.
Earlier, debutants Morocco – the first Arab nation to compete at the Women’s World Cup – rebounding from their 6-0 defeat to Germany in their first game to beat South Korea 1-0.
It was their first-ever World Cup goal, scored through a Ibtissam Jraidi header just six minutes in at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide. The world’s 72nd-ranked side defended resolutely to earn their first win in World Cup history. It keeps them alive heading into a final group match against Colombia.
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South Korea dominated possession but were toothlesss in attack as they fell to a second-straight defeat, effectively ending their tournament.
There was more history made as 25-year-old defender Nouhaila Benzina became the first player to wear a hijab in World Cup history – with head coverings only made legal by FIFA in 2014. She delivered a standout performance in defence.
Next, Australian coach Alen Stajcic will guide his Philippines team in search of another massive upset and a place in the knockouts when they face Norway.
The Philippines stunned co-hosts New Zealand last time out, claiming a first World Cup win in their debut tournament.
Stajcic said: “We are still alive. No one thought we will be alive. We are everyone’s underdog. We are going to the last match against the superpower of women’s football, historically.”
At the same time, Switzerland and New Zealand do battle in the other Group A game, with simultaneous kick-offs ensuring a thrilling night of action.
The evening ends with a blockbuster clash between world number two Germany and Colombia.
We’ll have all the updates here!
SEE EVERY GROUP LADDER HERE!
TODAY’S SCHEDULE (AEST)
South Korea 0-1 Morocco
5pm Norway vs Philippines
5pm Switzerland vs New Zealand
7:30pm Germany vs Colombia
What Matildas need to reach knockouts in final group game: WC results and standings
Kerr fit to face Canada in big boost for Matildas … but one mystery remains
SATURDAY WRAP: France edge rivals in front of bonkers Brissy crowd; Swedes send five-goal warning
Everyone is talking about Sam Kerr’s fitness for the Matildas’ likely must-win match against Canada on Monday night – and even Wallabies boss Eddie Jones had his say.
In the wake of a brutal 31-point defeat to the All Blacks in front of a massive crowd at the MCG, Jones was more than happy to talk about anything outside of rugby.
“When you’ve got a calf injury, sometimes you don’t know how quickly it can recover,” he said when asked about her injury.
“Sam Kerr is back playing on (Monday). How fit she is? I don’t know.
“If I was him (Tony Gustavsson), I’d be playing her mate. Because they’ve got to win.
“They’ve got to roll her out, strap her up, whatever they need to do – because she can play. S**t she can play!”
Kerr has been on an individual training plan in recent days but was spotted at team training today with her boots on – though journalists had to leave before the team’s session underway, with coach Tony Gustavsson repeatedly refusing to say whether Kerr trained fully with her teammates.
FRANCE COACH LOSES HIS MIND IN UGLY SCENES
France coach Herve Renard made a name for himself in the 2022 Men’s World Cup in Qatar when he led Saudi Arabia t oan upset win over eventual champions Argentina.
In his first role in the women’s game, Renard took charge of heavyweights France, widely seen before the tournament as a contender for the title.
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing – and Renard blew up deluxe at rival coaches and officials last night.
France limped to a poor 0-0 draw with Jamaica in their opener, before a thrilling 2-1 win over Brazil in front of a huge crowd in Brisbane.
France led early before Brazil equalised in the second half, with France’s superstar defender Wendie Renard (no relation to the coach) headed home in the 83rd minute.
But as the game went into a lengthy stoppage time due to injuries, coach Herve Renard raged at the fourth official on the touchline, also clashing with a male Brazilian coach during and after the finish.
Former Socceroo Scott McDonald was on the sideline. He told Optus Sport: “The tables are now turned, they’re top of table now. Look, there was fighting in the technical area after the game …”
Renard was restrained by his own technical staff as he engaged in a shouting match, and earned a yellow card for his antics.