Within just 6 minutes Morocco had made history, after a header from Ibtissam Jraidi rippled the net.
Australia’s Hindmarsh Stadium saw a shaky start between the two Group H teams, with many 50:50 challenges in the midfield. Around the 5 minute mark, Morocco appeared more settled and comfortable on the ball.
Following a 1-2 on the edge of the box, Hanane Ait El Haj whipped in the ball to the near post where Ibtissam Jraidi soared in front of her marker for a perfect header across goal. Not only was this a beautifully created goal, but also a special moment for Morocco, as it was the North Africans first World Cup goal!
Morocco’s increased confidence resulted in more play in the final third, which denied Korea any time or space to play through lines. Moreover, Korea’s backline was easily split to offer more goal scoring chances- one of which came close in the 15th minute. A header from Hong nearly saw an own goal, but luckily for Korea, the ball hit the top of the net for a corner.
South Korea woke up nearly half way into the first half, and started to enter Morocco’s box. Although a few attempts were swiftly passed out from the overpowering amount of white shirts in the box, a header goes just wide.
With just 5 minutes to go Korea became the dominating side, but weren’t clinical enough to get on the scoresheet.
Morocco entered the break in front by just a goal, whilst Korea struggled with inspiration- something they would need to produce for the raining 45 minutes.
With So-Yun Ji’s influence, Korea appeared more of a threat on the ball. The with created by the substitutes highlights the positive game-changing impact of players.
In the 70th minute, Park comes off for Eun-Ha Jeoun, which came as a shock considering her acting as a focal point in Korea’s approach for the majority of the game.
An 80th minute free-kick just outside of the box for Korea soon became a threatening counter attack for Morocco in the final third, but a poor through ball prevented any further goals.
Teenager Casey Phair came on with minutes to go and a lot to prove. Within moments of being on the pitch the number 19 had a light shot gone just wide, potentially the last hope of the tournament for Korea. Morocco returned with a drive up the pitch, but nothing came from that attempt either.
The three points for Morocco place them third in the group after 2 games, a position that could still see them through to the round of 16. However, for Korea progressing further in the competition is extremely unlikely.
Comments