Morocco W vs Colombia W prediction: WORLD: World Cup Women betting tips on match 2023-08-02 10:00.
Playing in their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC), Morocco face an uphill task to progress from Group H on the final matchday. The Lionesses of Atlas have given themselves every chance though, with a sixth-minute strike enough to see off South Korea and earn them a maiden victory at the WWC, while also breaking a six-match winless streak (D2, L4).
Boss Reynald Pedros praised the “fantastic mindset” of his players after that win, but they’ll need a repeat of that here against Colombia in what will be their first-ever H2H against South American opposition. A heavy 6-0 defeat against Germany on matchday one means their goal difference is hugely inferior to their rivals, so Morocco will likely need to rely on South Korea to avoid defeat against the Germans if they’re to advance.
There’s far less pressure on Colombia, who all but sealed their place in the last 16 thanks to a dramatic 97th-minute winner over Germany on matchday two. Manuela Vanegas’ last-ditch strike means her side need just a point to guarantee progression, but the match was dominated by the sensational story of Linda Caicedo – Colombia’s 18-year-old sensation who recovered from a collapse in training just two days prior to kick-off to score a stunning opening goal.
Unbeaten in five matches (W3, D2), while losing just two of their last 16 (W10, D4), it’s fair to say Nelson AbadĂa’s side is hitting form at the perfect time. As a result, Colombia should head into this clash full of confidence as they search to end a WWC finals group stage with a 100% record for the first time ever, and the fact they’ve won all three of their previous meetings against African opposition proves it's a distinct possibility.
Players to watch: Morocco’s Rosella Ayane could be in line for a recall to the starting XI given seven of her eight goalscoring appearances for her country have resulted in victory. Teenage sensation Caicedo will be looking to upstage her as she attempts to score in all three of Colombia’s group matches.
Hot streak: None of Morocco's last ten games have seen both teams on the scoresheet.