Marcela Restrepo of Colombia passes the ball below stress from Kathrin Hendrich of Germany in the course of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Germany and Colombia at Sydney Football Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Sydney, Australia.| Photo Credit: Getty Images

Colombia scored a 97th-minute winner to stun Germany 2-1 on an evening of Women's World Cup drama Sunday which additionally noticed Norway and Switzerland into the final 16 however co-hosts New Zealand dumped out in tears.

Germany smashed Morocco 6-0 of their opener to underline why they have been among the many pre-tournament favourites, together with Spain and England, to grab away the United States' crown.

But they got here crashing again right down to earth by the hands of a Colombia aspect impressed by 18-year-old Linda Caicedo and roared on by the vast majority of a rowdy 40,000 crowd in Sydney.

The Real Madrid attacker scored the most effective objectives of the match to date, darting previous two Germany defenders earlier than curling the ball into the highest nook to open the scoring.

Germany thought that they had salvaged some extent within the 89th minute when skipper Alexandra Popp defied the whistles to attain from the penalty spot.

But with a pulsating recreation that deep into stoppage time appeared destined for a draw, Manuela Vanegas popped as much as head dwelling from shut vary and put Colombia on the verge of the final 16.

"Germany is a world power, that's a reality, but Colombia has been making great strides and today Colombia is a world power," mentioned the defender Vanegas.

"I dreamed of scoring a goal in a World Cup, I knew it was going to come and I decided to do it for today's game."

Going into the final spherical of group matches, Colombia are prime of Group H on six factors, Germany and Morocco have three and South Korea have zero.

Germany's destiny remains to be in their very own palms after they face the Koreans subsequent, with Colombia in opposition to Morocco.

Morocco received a Women's World Cup match for the primary time after Ibtissam Jraidi struck early to offer them a 1-0 victory over South Korea.

In the match, Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina turned the primary participant to put on a hijab on the Women's World Cup.

Norway and Switzerland each emerged out of an excruciatingly tight Group A.

Former champions Norway thrashed the Philippines 6-0 in Auckland to squeeze into the final 16 on objective distinction from New Zealand.

A full home in Dunedin noticed the co-hosts held 0-0 by a cussed Switzerland because the Football Ferns bowed out of their dwelling match in tears.

The 1995 champions Norway wanted a win and so they did it in fashion in opposition to World Cup debutants the Philippines, who themselves have been nonetheless in with an opportunity of reaching the knockouts.

Sophie Roman Haug scored a hat-trick because the Philippines' fairytale journey got here to a shuddering halt.

With Norway properly forward, New Zealand now wanted to beat Switzerland.

The hosts had the higher of the primary half with a string of possibilities, the choose of which noticed ahead Jacqui Hand rattle the publish on 24 minutes.

As Norway chalked up the objectives in Auckland, the New Zealanders upped the depth, figuring out solely a win can be adequate to advance.

But the objective they so desperately wanted by no means got here.

"There are a lot of tears out there, but they should be so proud to finish on four points," captain Ali Riley mentioned.

On Monday, Australia will hope to keep away from the identical destiny as their co-hosts.

The Matildas should beat Olympic champions Canada to ensure a spot within the final 16 however are nonetheless sweating on their skipper and talismanic striker Sam Kerr.

She has declared herself obtainable after a calf damage however it stays to be seen how a lot of a component she performs.

"Everyone involved in sport knows that with calf injuries it's one thing that you're available, but there's also risk when you come back from a muscle injury," mentioned Australia's coach Tony Gustavsson.

Also in Group B, surprise-package Nigeria want simply to keep away from defeat in opposition to already-eliminated Ireland to progress.

Former champions Japan and title contenders Spain meet to resolve who tops Group C with each already into the final 16.