Colombia narrowly squeezed past Jamaica whilst France cruised past Morocco to confirm their quarter-final berths.
BY IZZY YARD.
Colombia 1-0 Jamaica
Colombia narrowly defeated Jamaica 1-0, with victory securing their place in the quarter-finals on Saturday, where they will face England.
A lacklustre first half saw only two shots on target, with the stop start nature of the game not allowing either team to find any momentum throughout the opening exchanges, with multiple stoppages for injuries and fouls.
However Colombia looked like the more threatening side, with skipper Catalina Usme firing some dangerous balls across the penalty area forcing Jamaica to work hard in order to clear their lines.
Las Chicas Superpoderosa’s best chance was when Mayra Ramirez headed an effort towards goal however it went over for a goal kick, as both went into the break goalless.
But within minutes of the second half, he South American’s finally took the lead. Youngster Ana Guzman’s deep cross landed right into the path of Usme who curled her shot past Rebecca Spencer into the corner. It was the first goal Jamaica had conceded in this World Cup.
The Reggae Girlz almost replied immediately after Jody Brown flicked her rebounded header off the bottom of the post. Jamaica continued to find a way back into the match, with Drew Spence heading wide from Brown’s deep cross.
Colombia survived to come out on top and proceed to the last eight of the tournament to the quarter-finals for the first time.
France 4-0 Morocco
France had a much easier affair as they cruised past Morocco to make the last eight, smashing the Lionesses of Atlas 4-0 after three goals in the first 23 minutes.
Kadidiatu Diani opened the scoring for France in the 15th minute after she was left unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box and nodded it past Moroccan goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi from close range.
Five minutes later Les Bleues were two to the good when Kenza Dali volleyed her effort towards goal which rebounded off the far post and shot into the back of the net.
Morocco’s defensive line just couldn’t handle France’s attack and Herve Renard’s side further extended their lead in the 23rd minute when Eugenie Le Sommer made no mistake and fired into the bottom corner.
Morocco came close just seconds after the restart when Anissa Lahmari curled a shot wide of the post.
The Africans were much improved in the second half, however the game was too far out of their grasp with Le Sommer making sure of the result 20 minutes from time as she scored again to round out the win for France.
Les Bleues progress to play hosts Australia in the quarter finals.
