FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 enters knock out stage

The group stage matches of the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup will conclude on Thursday with the fancied teams struggling to make it to the last 16.

While defending champions the USA has made it to the quarter-finals, strong contender Germany would be looking to avoid an early exit as it faces a tough challenge from the rivals.

Colombia and Morocco too are favourites to enter the last 16 stage. Colombia had defeated Germany 1-0 in their group fixtures. Colombia are top of Group H and on the brink of a place in the last 16. Barring a massive goal swing, Colombia will go through to the knockouts after taking maximum points from their two games so far.

Colombia should however be cautious to avoid bookings. Five of its players have already been booked with yellow cards in their match against Germany. Any more bookings will put them in trouble and hit their chances.

In their match against Morocco, the Colombians may rest a few of their star players especially those who had received yellow cards.

Moroccans will however be no pushers. Morocco claimed their first Women's World Cup win by beating South Korea last time out. Ambitions of reaching the last-16 stage are out of their hands because they will need to better Germany's result against South Korea to snatch second place.

Germany will face South Korea in their last group fixture. South Korea are all but out after losing their two games so far, but Voss-Tecklenburg believes they have the potential to cause Germany problems. The Koreans are managed by Englishman Colin Bell, who has coached three women's club teams in Germany.

The winners of Group H will face Jamaica on Tuesday, 8 August (09:00 BST), while the runners-up tackle France (12:00 BST) on the same day.