Morocco Eyes World Cup Round of 16 After Crucial Win Over South Korea

Ibtissam Jraïdi’s diving header in the 6th minute allowed the Moroccan team to win this match against the tough Korean team, on Sunday at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide. With this victory, which restores the smile to the Atlas Lionesses after the crushing defeat against Germany (0-6), Morocco still has a chance to get out of this group H and qualify for the round of 16. But before that, the Moroccan players will have to get a victory against Colombia on Thursday, on the third day.

Coach Rynald Pedros was able to make the necessary tactical choices to improve the play of the Atlas Lionesses after the defeat against Germany. Against Korea, the Moroccans were more offensive and determined. And it paid off. With her goal, the only one of the match, Ibtissam Jraïdi becomes the first Moroccan player to score a goal in the Women’s World Cup.

Rynald Pedros’ winning coaching consisted of important changes in defense, with the starting of Nouhaïla Benzina, replacing Yasmine Lamrabet, and that of Ibtissam Jraïdi, author of the winning goal, Salma Amani and Nisrine El Chad, which helped to balance the Moroccan game and strengthen the defense that was able to withstand the Korean attacks.

This victory against Korea allows Morocco to emerge from this group H and hope for a qualification in the round of 16 if the Atlas Lionesses manage to beat Colombia on Thursday. To achieve this, the Moroccans will have to show more fluidity in their game and be more technical. "I think what matters most in our squad is the fighting spirit and the collective solidarity," said the French technician after the victory against Korea.