Morocco’s U20 women’s team is set to face Spain in a decisive match during the final round of the group stage at the U20 Women’s World Cup. The Lionesses, aiming to make history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time, face a formidable challenge against one of the tournament’s top contenders.
The match will take place at Estadio Pascual Guerrero in Cali, Colombia, with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. local time on Saturday, which translates to midnight in Morocco and 1 a.m. in France. Fans can catch the action live via the FIFA+ streaming platform.
Spain enters this match with the confidence of a team that has already secured its place in the knockout rounds.
Victories against the United States (1-0) and Paraguay (2-0) have ensured their progression, allowing head coach Sonia Bermúdez the option to rotate her squad and rest key players ahead of the next phase.
This strategic move could potentially offer Morocco a slight advantage, although the Spanish side’s depth and quality remain a significant hurdle.
For Morocco, the stakes could not be higher. The team, led by head coach Jorge Vilda, who faces the unique challenge of competing against his home country, must secure a victory to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
However, their journey so far has been challenging, with consecutive 2-0 defeats to Paraguay and the USA, leaving the Lionesses with a mountain to climb.
Even with a win, Morocco’s path to the round of 16 is far from guaranteed. Currently sitting in third place in the group, the team has a goal difference of -4 and trails both Paraguay and the USA by three points.
To advance, Morocco would not only need to triumph over Spain but also hope that results in other groups favor them, as only the best third-placed teams will progress.
While the odds may be stacked against them, the Moroccan team remains determined to fight until the final whistle.
Securing a victory would not only boost their chances of advancing but also mark their first-ever win in a U20 Women’s World Cup, a significant achievement in itself.
As the Lionesses prepare for this critical encounter, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to see its women’s football team make history on the world stage.
Whether they can pull off the upset against a powerhouse like Spain remains to be seen, but their resolve to make their mark on the tournament is undeniable.
المباراة القادمة لمنتخبنا الوطني النسوي أمام منتخب إسبانيا لحساب الجولة الثالثة من كأس العالم للسيدات لأقل من 20 سنة
Next match: Our U20 Women’s Team faces Spain. Let’s support the #AtlasLionsses#DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 | #U20WWC pic.twitter.com/fJCufe00uf
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) September 7, 2024
