Preview: Morocco Women vs. Colombia Women - prediction, team news, lineups

On Thursday, Morocco Women and Colombia Women will go head-to-head in the final round of group games at the Women's World Cup 2023.

Colombia are sitting at the top of Group H with six points to their name, while Morocco are three points adrift in third position.

Match preview

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Morocco, who are competing in their first-ever Women's World Cup, were left reeling after being thumped 6-0 by Germany in their opening game of the tournament.

After getting off to a disastrous start, the Lionesses of Atlas showed great character to claim all three points in Sunday's meeting with South Korea.

Ibtissam Jraidi gave her country the lead in the sixth minute, and Morocco managed to keep South Korea at bay for the remainder of the contest to claim their first victory at the Women's World Cup.

Despite being the second-lowest ranked side at the tournament, Morocco head into the final round of group games with a chance of progressing to the last 16.

Due to Germany's superior goal difference, the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finalists will need to better Germany's result to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

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Despite kicking off the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Korea, Colombia entered Sunday's fixture against Germany as massive underdogs.

However, Colombia showcased the quality that they possess to take the lead in the 52nd minute through Linda Caicedo, who created the space to produce an unstoppable strike into the top corner.

Their hopes of claiming a surprise victory looked to have dissipated when Catalina Perez brought down Lena Oberdorf in the box, allowing Alex Popp to restore parity from the penalty spot.

There was to be one final moment of drama, though, as Real Sociedad's Manuela Vanegas headed home a 97th-minute winner to secure a historic victory and send her country to the top of Group H.

Colombia have all but qualified for the last 16, due to their significant goal-difference advantage over Morocco, and they will finish top of Group G if they avoid defeat on Thursday.

Team News

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After claiming a hard-earned victory Matchday Two, Morocco boss Reynald Pedros could be tempted to name an unchanged lineup.

Nouhaila Ben Zina is set to start in central defence alongside Nesrryne El Chad, while Hanane Ait El Haj and Zineb Redouani will continue to operate as the two full-backs.

Buoyed from scoring the winner against South Korea, Jraidi will offer one of Morocco's main goal threats when she leads the line against Colombia.

As for Colombia, central defender Jorelyn Carabali is a doubt after being stretchered off in stoppage time of Sunday's win.

If Carabali is unable to feature, Nelson Abadia could bring Monica Ramos into the side to partner Daniela Arias in central defence.

Leicy Santos dropped down to the bench against Germany, but the Atletico Madrid midfielder could return to the starting lineup on Thursday.

Morocco Women possible starting lineup:

Errmichi; Ait El Haj, Ben Zina, El Chad, Redouani; Ouzraoui, Nakkach, Chebbak, Tagnaout; Amani; Jraidi

Colombia Women possible starting lineup:

Perez; C. Arias, Ramos, D. Arias, Vanegas; Bedoya, Montoya; Andrade, Usme, Caicedo; Ramirez

We say: Morocco Women 1-2 Colombia Women

After losing 6-0 to Germany in their opening game, Morocco would have restored some confidence with their narrow win over South Korea.

While they will have aspirations of claiming consecutive victories, we think that the Lionesses of Atlas will be edged out by a Colombian side that are looking to clinch top spot in Group H.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.