Africa’s last hope at the Women’s World Cup ended on Tuesday as Morocco went out, easily beaten 4-0 by France in Adelaide in their last-16 tie.
The North Africans follow South Africa and Nigeria out of the tournament although the fact that the continent has delivered three of its four representatives into the knockout stages must be seen as a triumph as it came again all expectation.
Africa, however, remain without a win in the knockout stage of the tournament after nine editions.
France, whose tally of 12 goals in this tournament is the most they have scored at a Women’s World Cup, now meet co-hosts Australia in Brisbane in Saturday’s quarterfinal.
Eugenie le Sommer, in a French record 19th World Cup appearance, scored a pair after Kadidiatou Diani and Kenza Dali had set them off to a quick start.
France dominated the first half and led 3-0 inside 23 minutes as Morocco had no answer to their precision passing and ability to get behind the North Africans’ defence.
The opener came on 15 minutes as neat one-two passing unleashed Sakina Karchaoui on the left wing and her cross was perfect for Kadidiatou Diani to head home unopposed.
Diani turned supplier for the second as she crossed low for Kenza Dali to score from close range as the ball crept in off the post.
France made it three goals in eight minutes as they again tore Morocco apart with the pace of their attack. Nesryne El Chad tried to clear but ball struck Diani and ricocheted to Eugenie le Sommer, who finished easily.
France had 70 per cent of the ball in the opening period and Morocco barely made it into their half as the European side stroked the ball around effortlessly under no real pressure.
Morocco looked to lift their levels after the break but their first corner of the game came in the 67th minute, when their chances were looking slim already.
France then put it all beyond doubt as they made it 4-0 as substitute Vicki Becho’s cross to the back post was headed home by the unmarked Le Sommer as Morocco’s defence went to sleep.
