Photo Credit: Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Colombia continued their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ journey with a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in a physical encounter in Melbourne.

With a quarter-final tie against England as reward for progression, the opening 45 minutes was a cagey affair, with neither side establishing themselves on the front foot. The physical approach from the Jamaicans frustrating Colombia as they looked to build around key forward Linda Caicedo.

It took only six minutes of the second period for the South Americans to find the crucial opener however, when Catalina Usme controlled a long pass from Ana Rebecca Guzman and rifled her effort past Spencer to giver her side a vital lead.

Jamaica’s efforts to haul themselves back into the tie rested mainly on their powerful centre forward, Khadija Shaw but she was well marshalled by the Colombian defence for most of the 90 minutes.

Colombia now face an England side who sneaked their way past Nigeria on penalties yesterday in what should prove to be a fascinating encounter.

Colombia: 1 (Catalina USME 51′)
Jamaica: 0

HT: 0-0

France have swept Morocco aside to advance to the quarter-finals at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ and set up a last eight clash with Australia.

Morocco, one of the competition’s many surprise stories struggled to live with their opponents, spending most of the first half in Adelaide on the back foot, conceding three goals within the first 25 minutes.

The excellent Kadidiatou Diani scored her fourth of the campaign at the quarter hour mark before Kenza Dali doubled the lead five minutes later. Eugenie Le Sommer then put the result beyond doubt in the 23rd minute with a first-time effort that flashed past Khadija Er-Rmichi in the Morocco goal.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 08: Kenza Dali (2nd L) of France celebrates with teammates after scoring her team’s second goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between France and Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium on August 08, 2023 in Adelaide / Tarntanya, Australia. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

With twenty minutes remaining, Le Sommer added her second and France’s fourth to put a seal matters. An excellent cross from substitute Vicki Becho found the head Le Sommer perfectly and the forward couldn’t miss from yards out.

France can now look ahead to a quarter-final tie against co-hosts Australia this weekend at Brisbane Stadium, whilst Morocco’s historic run comes to an end.

France: 4 (Kadidiatou DIANI 15′, Kenza DALI 20′, Eugenie LE SOMMER 23′, 70′)
Morocco: 0

HT: 0-0