As the Group Stages wrap up, heartbreak and thrills are sure to be found across the board - this matchday was no exception as Colombia stunned Germany with a late stoppage time goal, Norway got through on goal differentials, and New Zealand were the first hosts ever to be eliminated in Group Stages at the World Cup.

Germany vs Colombia (1-2)

In an intense match set against a brilliant atmosphere, Colombia stunned two-time World Cup Winners Germany, clinching the win thanks to a late stoppage time goal from Manuela Vanegas. The Colombian starlet Linda Caicedo scored the first goal of the match, after recovering from her collapse in training just yesterday. While the Germans had several chances to go ahead, it wasn’t until an 89th minute penalty that they were able to convert. Just when a draw seemed inevitable, Vanegas’s massive header sealed victory for the Colombians.

Norway vs Philippines (6-0)

Despite a lackluster World Cup so far, Norway put on a clinic against the Philippines as Sophie Haug scored a hat trick to push Norway through into the knockout stages. Despite a historic victory of New Zealand earlier in the week, the Filipinas were unable to recreate the magic as Caroline Graham Hansen’s to the starting lineup return proved to be too much to overcome for the plucky side.

South Korea vs Morocco (0-1)

Thanks to an early goal from Ibtissam Jraidi, Morocco sealed their first ever victory in a World Cup in a 1-0 win over South Korea, who ranked 55 places higher than than on the women’s world rankings. The Moroccan defense was sturdy throughout the match as the South Koreans had few answers against Nouhalia Benzina and the rest of the backline. Both teams would be knocked out shortly after but a historic run for Morocco on both the women’s and and men’s national teams has seen them continue their rise as a footballing nation.

Switzerland vs New Zealand (0-0)

For the first time in history, a World Cup host nation has failed to get past the Group Stages. Despite being dominant in possession, the Kiwis lacked the finishing needed to find the back of the net which resulted in the match ending as a goalless draw. The Swiss backline has been stalwart throughout the tournament - conceding zero goals so far. New Zealand may have hoped to do better but having been without a manager until 2021, the team still has room to grow.

Player Spotlight - Caroline Graham Hansen

Caroline Graham Hansen is a Norweigan footballer that plays as a winger for FC Barcelona and the Norweigan National Team. After starting her career in Norway and Sweden, Hansen made her senior team international debut in 2011 and was essential to Norway’s Silver Medal Euros win in 2013.

Her club breakout came at VFL Wolfsburg where she led the team to multiple Women’s Champions League Finals and league titles despite experiencing several long-term injuries. In 2019, she transferred to Barcelona where she helped them with the Champion’s League in 2021 and was a standout player in the 2019 Women’s World Cup.