France ends Morocco’s run, advances to quarterfinals of Women’s World Cup

Adelaide, The Gulf Observer: France coach Herve Renard high-fived his staff on the sideline as it became clear his team was on its way to the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup.

Only 23 minutes had been played at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium on Tuesday, but France was already 3-0 up against Morocco and on course for a showdown with co-host Australia.

The French scored once more in the second half to win 4-0 and end Morocco’s historic debut run at the World Cup, reports AP.

France took fourth place in 2011 and this is the fourth straight time it has advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
A three-goal burst in nine minutes took the game away from Morocco, with Kadidiatou Diani, Kenza Dali and Eugenie Le Sommer all scoring early in the match.

Le Sommer, who is France’s all-time leading scorer, headed in a fourth in the 70th minute to complete the win. She has now scored 92 goals for her country — more than any French player, male or female.