Tournament debutants Morocco have recorded their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup victory after defeating South Korea 1-0 in Adelaide.
Ibtassim Jraidi scored in the sixth minute of the Group H clash and it proved enough to secure a historic win for the tournament newcomers in front of 12,886 fans.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Morocco make history with first ever goal at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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Morocco looked eager to atone for the 6-0 defeat against Germany in their opening match and they were positive early, attacking with intent right from the outset.
They were rewarded when Jraidi found the back of the net for her country’s first World Cup goal.
After a neat exchange of passes with Salma Amani, fullback Hanane Ait El Haj whipped in a near post cross from the right which was met by Jraidi.
The Morocco striker skipped in ahead of her opponent and perfectly directed her glancing header across the face of goal and into the far corner of the net.
South Korea took a while to settle and had a couple of chances midway through the first half before Morocco should have added a second just before the half-hour.
Fatima Tagnaout raced down the left wing and slipped in Amani, who took a touch and blazed over the crossbar from close range.
South Korea finished the half with a flurry and created a series of half chances but failed to find an equaliser.
Morocco were forced to absorb pressure for much of the second half, with chances few and far between, largely restricted to attacking on the counter.
South Korea enjoyed most of the possession and territory, camped in Morocco’s half without really troubling the goal until the 86th minute.
Substitute Casey Phair, who became the youngest player in Women’s World Cup history when she debuted in her side’s opening group game, took control inside the area and shot on the turn but dragged her effort inches wide.
Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina also wrote a piece of history herself, becoming the first player to wear a hijab while competing at a senior level in a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Former Matilda Heath Garriock said Morocco’s victory was a “beautiful” thing for the game.
“The love we have for this beautiful game. The diversity. The culture. It was beautiful. This is what a World Cup is made of,” she said.
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