Morocco are eliminated from the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup following their 4-0 defeat to the United States on Monday. Two goals each from Charlotte Kohler and Samantha Smith contributed to the victory for the United States who clinched qualification to the quarterfinals along with Brazil out of Group A. Morocco end their campaign in third place with three points from a victory over hosts India to go along with defeats to group favorites Brazil and the USA.
The North African team did well to remain in contention by defeating India after a close loss to Brazil in their opening match but the odds were against them to get the victory they needed against the heavily favored Americans. After Morocco did well to keep the match even in the opening twenty minutes Kohler helped the USA make their breakthrough in the 24th minute when she collected a low cross with space in the Moroccan penalty area and hit a low first-time shot past goalkeeper Wissal Titah.
The Moroccans kept their opponents from expanding their lead for a long stretch but crafting out opportunities at the other end proved to be a challenge. Titah and her defense only faced more pressure after the break and a five minute stretch confirmed an American victory with Smith sliding to finish off a low cross in the 68th minute before Kohler tallied again with a low finish off her left foot from six yards out. Smith pounced on another cross from the left wing to finish the scoring in the 81st minute as the USA clinched top spot in the group.
Highlights from the match are below.
