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FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 schedule, results: Germany sent home, Morocco advance from Group G

Yesterday it was Italy and Brazil, now Germany are headed out the doors as this epic World Cup of upsets continues. Check out all the highlights from a massive day in football.

Staff writers
11 min read
August 4, 2023 - 6:24AM
Sam Kerr during an Australia Matildas training session
Sam Kerr during an Australia Matildas training session

Incredible.

On Wednesday Brazil and Italy were sent packing, on Thursday, it was even more shocking.

For the first time in their history at the event, Germany have failed to get out of the group stage of the World Cup.

The world no. 2 is going home and Morocco go through.

Germany’s 1-1 draw with South Korea in Brisbane was not enough to see them progress, after Morocco took down group winners Colombia 1-0 in Perth to steal a place in the Round of 16.

Cho So-hyun struck early for Korea before German star Alexandra Popp hit back in the first half, but the football powerhouses could not do enough to score a second time.

In Perth, a goal from Anissa Lahmari at the end of the first half was enough for the Atlas Lionesses, who held on mightily in the second half.

All eyes will however turn to Germany, who were one of the favourites heading into the tournament, who were in disbelief at the final whistle in Brisbane.

The Atlas Lionesses went into raptures upon hearing the news.

This remarkable tournamet has delivered in spades so far, what does it have in store next?

9:10PM: GERMANY HITS BACK, WHO WINS GROUP G?

It’s still all to play for in group H as Germany restore parity against South Korea, but Morocco’s half-time lead against Colombia still has Germany headed home.

The Germans got on level terms through Alexandra Popp, while a penalty at the end of the first half was missed by Morocco before being bungled in on the follow through.

As it stands the Atlas Lionesses will go through instead of Germany.

8:30PM: IS ANOTHER GREAT POWER ABOUT TO BE BUNGLED?

The World Cup has been full of upsets and boilovers, and we may be in store for one final one tonight to decide Group H.

South Korea have taken an early lead against powerhouses Germany through Cho So-hyun and lead 1-0 early in this clash.

With Colombia and Morocco currently tied, as it stands the Germans are going home.

Yesterday Brazil and Italy fell, will the Germans join them on the plane home?

4:00PM: KERR IMAGES AUSTRALIA HAS BEEN WAITING FOR

Matildas captain Sam Kerr had a ball at her feet and looks set for her long-awaited return in Monday’s must-win World Cup clash with Denmark after smiling her way through training on Thursday.

Music was blaring from the speakers at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre as the Matildas warmed up for their session listening to Shania Twain’s hit, Man I Feel Like A Woman.

“It was a banger – that was a good choice,” Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold said.

The Matildas took to the field in Brisbane for the team’s first training session since their stunning demolition of Canada which ensured progressing out of the group stages.

Arnold confirmed that Kerr, who is yet to play in the World Cup due to a calf injury, took part in the session, and had her own training program as she continued her bid to play against the Danes.

She has her own individual plan that she’s doing with the doctor and physio, getting her ready to join in with the team,’ Arnold said of the Matildas captain.

“What she had to do, she looked like she was quite comfortable doing it, and she was in high spirits after the (session), so I assumed it all went well.”

Midfielder Katrina Gorry, who was in a moon boot on Tuesday after injuring her ankle and football in Australia’s 4-0 thrashing of Canada, didn’t seem to be in any discomfort while warming up with the rest of the squad.

Coach Tony Gustavsson was able to leave Kerr on the bench in the 4-0 win giving the superstar striker an extra seven days to get over her troublesome calf injury.

Sam Kerr during an Australia Matildas training session
Sam Kerr during an Australia Matildas training session

3:10PM WORLD CUP BOYCOTT: HOW A BROKEN TEAM UNITED

What a difference a month makes.

Four weeks ago, South Africa’s World Cup players boycotted a planned send-off game against Botswana to celebrate their departure for the tournament.

There were objections that ranged from World Cup compensation, to the condition of the field, and it was clear there was a big split emerging in South African football.

Fast forward just one month, and the Banyana Banyana are the toast of the town following their historic qualification for the knockout rounds – an achievement which has doubled their tournament earnings.

Star striker Hildah Magaia - known as the breadwinner in the team, for her finishing ability - said: “I’ll be able to help my family and do everything for my mother, because I’m the one taking care of her.”

‘The breadwinner’ Hildah Magaia (R) shoots the ball for South Africa. Picture: AFP
‘The breadwinner’ Hildah Magaia (R) shoots the ball for South Africa. Picture: AFP

Magaia, who scored to put South Africa 2-1 up against Italy in their dramatic 3-2 win said of her second goal at the tournament: “Without the breadwinner, there is no bread.

“I had to provide the bread for the nation. It really means a lot, especially knowing that we were so close to going home.”

The victory was lauded by coach Desiree Ellis who gave a passionate post-game speech in which she described her players as warriors.

“They fought like warriors, they fought like heroines that we know they are

“They fought to be historically remembered and they made history.

“Not just getting our first win but going through to the round of 16. And that, is fricken amazing.

“These girls have come through every challenge we had to face in the past. I mean, also no one gave us a chance today, but we knew what we were capable of.

“They fought like warriors out there today, and we said we needed to keep our best players no the pitch and we managed that by not pressing all the time.

“This win is for everyone back home, those also who woke up in the early hours of the morning to support us.

“This is for everyone involved in women’s football.”

2:30PM ‘TOXIC PIMP’: SICKENING ATTACK ON WORLD CUP STAR

Team USA superstar Megan Rapinoe has been labelled ‘unpatriotic’ and ‘the Andrew Tate of LGBTQ feminism’ in an extraordinary attack by an outspoken US sports commentator.

Former ESPN and Fox Sports employee Jason Whitlock, who now hosts the Fearless with Jason Whitlock program on conservative media company Blaze Media, said he is not supporting the USA at this World Cup and is actively cheering for them to lose their knock-out clash with Sweden on Sunday.

And the reason, it seems, boils down to their star Rapinoe – who has used her status as one of the sport’s biggest names and been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights, equality in football and other progressive campaigns.

Comparing Rapinoe to controversial right-wing social media personality Andrew Tate, who is currently facing charges of rape and human trafficking in Romania, Whitlock said the veteran winger is the ‘ultimate pimp’ and ‘a fraud’.

“In the history of sports, no team has needed a comeuppance more than our women’s soccer team,” Whitlock said.

“Rooting against this American Nightmare is not unpatriotic. Rooting for them is.

“Rapinoe is the ultimate pimp. She is the Andrew Tate of LGBTQ feminism. She sees herself as a force for good, a force for freedom and proper femininity.

“She believes she is a threat to the establishment. She is popular, she is wealthy beyond her imagination, sexually liberated and adored by her followers.

“She is a fraud. She hates America because she hates herself. She is toxic. Her attitude pervades the national team.

“At 38, she is only on the roster to further burnish her brand.”

The two-time defending champions only scraped through to the Round of 16 on the back of a goalless draw against Portugal.

Rapinoe, who has 201 international caps and has scored 63 goals, is set to retire after the tournament.

Megan Rapinoe was on the end of a withering spray from outspoken US commentator Jason Whitlock. Picture: Getty
Megan Rapinoe was on the end of a withering spray from outspoken US commentator Jason Whitlock. Picture: Getty

1.45PM: IS THIS THE GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT?

Last night’s Panama-France game was wild – for many reasons. Not least of all the final score of 6-3, to the French.

But it also had an absolute firecracker free kick that should absolutely be in conversation for goal of the tournament – and it came after just 69 seconds.

But is it the goal of the tournament?

There are strong contenders – like Colombia teen Linda Caicedo’s freakish footwork and strike against Germany, and Bia Zaneratto finish off a beautiful team goal for Brazil against Panama.

Katie McCabe scored a magnificent Olympico goal direct from a corner to give Ireland against Canada, and Lauren James’ blistering shot through traffic for England.

What comes out on top for you?

12:15PM THE IMAGES WE HAVE ALL WAITED FOR

Sam Kerr might not have done a huge amount but for the first time this World Cup she’s been pictured with a ball at her feet and completed a full training session with her Matildas teammates.

As Australia’s showdown knock out clash with Denmark approaches we await news on the striker’s fitness, but there were encouraging signs from training this morning with Kerr taking part.

The mystery over the calf injury, which has ruled Kerr out of the last three group matches, remains but fans will be relieved to see her laced up and taking part.

Kyah Simon was the only player not involved in this morning’s session and from what we can gather, no one was concussed either.

Sam Kerr during an Australia Matildas training
Sam Kerr during an Australia Matildas training

11.20AM: BRAZIL LEGEND’S HEARTBREAKING ‘NIGHTMARE’ FINISH

Brazilian champion Marta, recognised as the GOAT for her incredible two-decade career at the top of the women’s game, has delivered an emotional final interview in her farewell to the World Cup.

The 37-year-old, who made her World Cup debut in 2003, looked shell-shocked as she revealed this group stage was ‘not even in my worst nightmares’.

It is the first time Brazil have failed to reach the knockout rounds since 1995, a result which was confirmed by their disappointing 0-0 draw with surprise packets Jamaica.

“It’s hard to talk at a time like this. Not even in my worst nightmares was it the World Cup I dreamed of,” said Marta.

“But it is only the beginning, the Brazilian people ask for renewal, and there is renewal.

“The only old one is me, most of them (team-mates) are young girls with enormous talent, it’s just the beginning for them.

“I end here, but they continue.”

Marta, who has dealt with injury troubles in recent years, confirmed there would be no fairytale encore.

“Marta ends here, there is no more World Cup for Marta,” she said.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have one more World Cup and very happy with what is happening with women’s football in the world.”

10.30AM: HEROIC WORLD CUP MATCHWINNER’S TRAGIC REVEAL

South African World Cup hero Thembi Kgatlana, who scored the injury-time winner to defeat Italy and reach the knockout rounds for the first time, has revealed she’s lost three family members during the tournament.

In a tragic postscript to the incredible match, Kgatlana made the startling revelation during an emotional interview immediately after full time.

Minutes earlier, Kgatlana had calmly slotted home in the 92nd minute to seal the 3-2 victory which knocked out Italy and set up a round-of-16 clash with the Netherlands.

But it was the heartbreaking interview which stole the show soon after.

“I’m so emotional,” Kgatlana said.

“Over the last three weeks, I have lost three family members, I could have gone home, but I chose to stay with my girls because that’s how much it means.

“I came back from a brutal (Achilles) injury and for me to be here and play for the country and represent every single girl who wanted to be here, to make history for South Africa, everyone deserves it.

“Every time I wear this jersey, it’s not just for myself, it’s for the 63 million people at home – and all the others here in Wellington.

“I don’t just represent myself. I represent my club as well, the girls, our families. What we did here... it still has to sink in.”

Thembi Kgatlana celebrates her match-winner. Picture: Getty
Thembi Kgatlana celebrates her match-winner. Picture: Getty

9.20AM: REGGAE GIRLZ ULTIMATE DONATION

Let’s just call it the greatest GoFundMe in sporting history – and assume that Brazilian legend Marta didn’t contribute a cent.

Jamaica’s incredible draw with Brazil on Wednesday night knocked out the football giant and ended the career of Marta, arguably the GOAT of women’s football.

And it might not have been possible if not for the online donation page “Reggae Girlz Rise Up”, which – as of Thursday morning – had raised a tick over $56,000 of its $100,000 target.

The donations have continued to flow in throughout the tournament, which has included their first ever World Cup point – care of a draw against France – and now moves onto the knock-out rounds.

The fundraiser was kicked off by the mother of midfielder Havana Solaun and helped cover the costs of accommodation, flights, food and other expenses for the ‘costly endeavour’ of the historic adventure.

Jamaica will next play the winner of Group H – either Colombia or Germany, which will be decided later tonight.

Jamaica celebrates on the final whistle after they drew with Brazil to qualify for the Round of 16. Picture: Michael Klein.
Jamaica celebrates on the final whistle after they drew with Brazil to qualify for the Round of 16. Picture: Michael Klein.

8.45AM: TEAM USA LEGEND BACKTRACKS OVER ‘INSANE’ CRITICISM

Team USA legend Carli Lloyd has backtracked on her vicious criticism of the two-time defending champions which was labelled ‘insane’ by coach Vlatko Andonovski.

Lloyd hammered Team USA as ‘uninspiring’ following their goalless draw with Portugal which allowed them to scrape through to the knock-out rounds with a second-placed finish in Group E.

She went further, suggesting there was a lack of passion in the current group and said ‘you never want to cross that line of becoming arrogant’ after watching the post-match celebrations.

But on Wednesday, Lloyd said her comments came from a place of trying to protect the legacy she helped create during a 17-year career at the top level.

“I’d like to state that obviously I was very critical of the team last night,” Lloyd said Wednesday.

“I’ve had some time to reflect, to sleep on it. I want people to understand that I care deeply about this team.

Carli Lloyd is one of Team USA’s most decorated players. Picture: Getty
Carli Lloyd is one of Team USA’s most decorated players. Picture: Getty

“I’ve poured my heart and soul into this team for 17 years and it was based on a legacy that was passed down from generation to generation, the mentality, the DNA of what makes that team so great.

“My comments were reflective on me wanting to see that legacy continue to be passed down generation to generation, and with that, it comes with hard work, it comes with focus, and so my hope is that that continues, because that is what makes the US so special and so deadly, and that is what ultimately has won us championships.”

After the disappointing Portugal result, Lloyd had given her former teammates both barrels.

“You never want to take anything for granted,” Lloyd said.

“You put on that jersey and you want to give it everything you have, for the people that came before you and the people that are going to come after you, and I’m just not seeing that passion.

“I’m just seeing a very lackluster, uninspiring, taking-it-for-granted, where winning and training and doing all that you can to be the best possible individual player is not happening.”

Megan Rapinoe reacts after the disappointing 0-0 draw with Portugal. Picture: Getty
Megan Rapinoe reacts after the disappointing 0-0 draw with Portugal. Picture: Getty

Her critique was not well received by Andonovski and the USA team at all.

“To question the mentality of this team, to question the willingness to win, to compete, I think it’s insane,” he said.

8.00AM: ‘WE’RE SORRY’: AUSSIE RIVALS’ HUMBLE EXIT

Olympic champions Canada were expected to make some noise this tournament - only to be destroyed by the Matildas in a seismic showdown on Monday night.

The devastating 4-0 result consigned Canada to a shock group-stage exit, with Australia and Nigeria progressing to the knock-out rounds.

And that left a sour taste in the mouth of Canada’s players, some of whom took to social media in the wake of the failed tournament.

“Disappointed to be exiting the World Cup,” said Canadian star Ashley Lawrence.

“Thank you to the traveling fans that made the long journey and those that woke up early to cheer us on back home.

There’s nothing more to say besides that we were not good enough and we’re sorry.”

More Coverage

State of play: Fairytales galore, heavyweights knocked out
Tim Michell
New World Cup favourite ready to take USA’s powerhouse mantle
Amy Chapman

Originally published as FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 schedule, results: Germany sent home, Morocco advance from Group G

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/world-cup/fifa-womens-world-cup-2023-schedule-results-tragic-reveal-after-south-africa-knockout-italy/news-story/e88482b8d5fb332aa6a0794ff42abc97