FIFA WWC: Morocco's heroic run comes to an end with France defeat

Eugenie Le Sommer scored twice and France advanced to the Women's World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-0 win over Morocco on Tuesday.

France's all-time leading scorer, Le Sommer struck once in each half as her country moved into a showdown with co-host Australia in Brisbane on Saturday.

Goals from Kadidiatou Diani, Kenza Dali and Le Sommer saw the French take a 3-0 lead after 23 minutes at Adelaide's Hindmarsh Stadium.

Le Sommer headed in a fourth in the second half to complete the win and end Morocco’s historic run at the World Cup.

Morocco's women have defied the odds to advance from their group and now face France in a mouth-watering last-16 clash#FIFAWWC
https://t.co/SaInttnv79

— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) August 8, 2023

The Moroccans, on debut at the tournament, became the first Arab nation to advance to the knockout stage.

The Atlas Lions were the first Arab team to register a win in the competition by beating South Korea in the group stage. They followed that by upsetting group winner Colombia to advance to the round of 16 at the expense of No. 2-ranked Germany.

But overcoming France, one of the tournament favorites, was a step too far for Reynald Pedros’ team.

France next face Australia, which is co-hosting the tournament with New Zealand.

The Matildas advanced to the quarterfinals by beating Denmark 2-0 on Monday, with star striker Sam Kerr returning from calf injury to make her first appearance at this World Cup.