The Moroccan national team has reached the Round of 16 at the Women's World Cup for the first time in history after a 1-0 victory over Colombia, benefiting from Germany's 1-1 draw with South Korea, which saw the two-time champions exit the tournament from the group stage on Thursday.
Morocco finished second on goal difference behind Colombia, who topped the group with six points, while Germany, the 2003 and 2007 World Champions and ranked second globally, exited the tournament with four points in Group H.
Morocco will face France in the Round of 16, led by Hervé Renard, former coach of the Moroccan men's national team, next Tuesday.
Anissa Lahmari scored the decisive goal for Morocco by following up on a rebound from a saved penalty just before the end of the first half.
Morocco, ranked 72nd in the world, began the tournament with a heavy 6-0 loss to Germany in their inaugural match before bouncing back to defeat South Korea 1-0.
Forward Ibtissam Jraidi was awarded a penalty in stoppage time of the first half. Keeper Catalina Pérez saved Ghizlane Chebbak's penalty, but midfielder Lahmari followed the ball to find the net.
Colombia dominated the second half and sought an equalizer, but Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi excelled to keep a clean sheet.
Moroccan players had to wait a few minutes on the field until the other match concluded, and then celebrations erupted for this historic achievement in Perth.
