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Posted: 2023-08-03 18:03:01

The group stages of the FIFA Women's World Cup ended with a bang as two-time champions Germany crashed out after a 1-1 draw with South Korea in Brisbane.

That allowed Morocco to make history in their first Women's World Cup appearance by qualifying for the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Colombia in Perth.

Here's the five things you missed from yesterday's action.

1. German tears in Brisbane

Alexandra Popp looks into the distance as a teammate pats her shoulder

Alexandra Popp's thousand-yard stare speaks volumes.(Getty Images: FIFA/Elsa)

Germany were one of the big favourites heading into this Women's World Cup — and for good reason.

Two-time World Cup winners. Ranked number two in the world. Runner up at last year's European Championships.

This group, on paper, should have been a doddle.

In fact, Germany had finished top of their group at each of the last eight appearances at the Women's World Cup.

Now, for the first time, they are out.

At full time it looked like their players simply could not believe it.

Wolfsburg defender Marina Hegering was distraught, seemingly unable to leave the field, covering her eyes and ears and lying on the Lang Park turf for over 15 minutes following full time.

Marina Hegering crouches down on her haunches

Marina Hegering was distraught at full time.(Getty Images: Bradley Kanaris)

She was not the only one as the German players struggled to process their defeat.

"All I can say is that [Coach] Martina [Voss-Tecklenburg] did have to face a lot of emotions," captain Alexandra Popp told reporters at full time.

"I think we will have to find our composure again. I think we will need to analyse what has happened.

"There was not much said. We do need a little bit of time now to process what has happened and yes, to be able to find some confidence again."

2. Morocco make history as minnows continue to fire

Morocco players celebrate

Morocco have already made history at this year's Women's World Cup. (Getty Images: FIFA/Alex Grimm)

At the FIFA Men's World Cup in Qatar, the Atlas Lions made history to reach the semi-finals.

The Atlas Lionesses are only appearing at their first Women's World Cup but have already made waves to reach the last 16 for the first time.

Heading into their match against Colombia, Morocco knew they needed to better Germany's result.

And they did so, ensuring that both they and Colombia progressed to the round of 16.

Incredibly, the two highest ranked teams in the group: Germany (2) and South Korea (17) finished behind the two lowest ranked teams: Colombia (25) and Morocco (72).

Morocco now faces a heady clash against France — a repeat of the semi-final clash between the two nations' men's teams at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and potent for the two nations' complicated shared history.

3. 16-year-old Korean striker leads the line superbly

Casey Phair shoots

Casey Phair hit the post early in the first half.(Getty Images: Speed Media/Damian Briggs)

Casey Phair has already made history at this year's World Cup.

When she came off the bench against Colombia, the American-Korean teen became the youngest player to ever appear at a Women's World Cup aged just 16 years and 26 days.

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