FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: France set up quarter-final clash with Australia after 4-0 win over Morocco in the Round of 16

In the final Round of 16 fixture of this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, France thrashed debutants Morocco 4-0 in Adelaide on Tuesday (8 August).

The win sets the 2019 hosts up for a quarter-final clash against this year’s co-hosts Australia in Brisbane on Saturday (12 August).

Les Bleues took no time to get going, with Kadidiatou Diani netting their first goal of the game in the 15th minute.

Kenza Dali then doubled their lead five minutes later before Eugenie Le Sommer made it three in the 23rd minute.

It went from bad to worst for debutants Morocco in the second half, as Eugenie Le Sommer netted her second and France's fourth of the night.

• FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: The full schedule and how to watch live action
• FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 top goal-scorers: Race for the Golden Boot
• FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: All fixtures, results, goalscorers, and group standings - complete list

France’s goal scoring threat was evident from early on. 

It didn’t take Kadidiatou Diani long to fire home her nation’s first, before setting up the next two goals for Kenza Dali and Eugenie Le Sommer.

France grew into their game as it went, dominating with 70% possession throughout the 90 minutes, and their game plan has seemingly gelled at exactly the right time.

It became clear that Morocco wouldn’t be able to take anything from this game when Le Sommer netted her second of the night to make it 4-0. 

Throughout the 90 minutes, the Moroccan defence struggled to contain the French who charged forward with ease and kept the Atlas Lionesses within their own half.

But you can forgive Morocco for seeming reserved - as just weeks ago, this team had never played at a Women’s World Cup. 

Yet since July 20, 2023, this Moroccan side has achieved so much.

From fielding the first ever player to wear a hijab at a World Cup, to securing the nation’s first ever win to qualifying for the Round of 16 - their debut FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign has been littered with historic milestones. 

In years gone by, Morocco would have been thought of as a nation competing to make up the numbers. 

Instead, they have proved that they are more than worthy - and capable - of competing alongside the best in the world. 

So far, this FIFA Women’s World Cup has been the most competitive edition of the tournament that we have ever seen, and that is testament to nation’s such as Morocco who have gladly grasped the opportunity to play on the world’s biggest stage with both hands.

What is next for Morocco and France?

As Morocco head home from their trailblazing debutant FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, they can do so with pride and a sense of beginning again.

This is a nation that has believed in their women’s side, piled on investment and supported their growth from ground up - and now, they are beginning to reap the benefits.

This unlikely FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign coupled with Moroccan’s men’s side overachieving at Qatar 2022 suggests that the North African nation are on the cusp of something truly brilliant.

Morocco is setting an example to the rest of the world that anyone can play football, especially when they are supporting to do so in the right environment.

Despite the heartbreak of a knockout loss, this will not be the last we see from Morocco and they will come back stronger than ever before.

As for France, they now look to Saturday (12 August) when they will take on co-hosts Australia in a tantalising quarter final clash. 

The winner will progress to the final four and take on either England or Colombia in the semi finals on Wednesday (16 August).