Unstoppable French Dominance: Les Bleues Secure Quarter-Final Spot in Style Against Morocco

France cruised to a 4-0 victory against Morocco in the Women's World Cup, thanks to the impressive performances of Kadidiatou Diani and Eugenie Le Sommer. This win secured their spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face Australia. Herve Renard's team had previously scored six goals against Panama in their last Group F match. With key players back and no longer facing suspension, they dominated the game in Adelaide.

Kenza Dali, Sakina Karchaoui, Le Sommer, and Wendie Renard appeared on the scene - the group that, together with Diani, astounded their adversaries by scoring three goals within a span of nine minutes in the first half.

The initial goal arrived in the 15th minute, as Diani expertly headed in a pass from Karchaoui. Shortly after, the forward from Olympique Lyon assumed the role of an assist provider by locating Dali in the penalty box, who demonstrated equal determination in front of the goal.

Le Sommer also wanted to join in on the excitement, and Nesryne El Chad graciously assisted her. After being pressured by Diani, the ball was given to her in the box by the Lille defender. France's leading goalscorer didn't require any instructions for what came next.

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Diani, left, celebrates with team-mate Kenza Dali after scoring

In the second half, France maintained their pressure and eventually broke through the Moroccan defence once again, with Le Sommer scoring her second goal of the game with a header at the far post. The Atlas Lionesses continued to push for a goal, with Lahmari and Jraidi coming close, but they were unable to find a way past the strong defence of Les Bleues.

How France beat Morocco

Sandie Toletti and Karchaoui dominated the midfield in the early stages of the match, displaying their precise understanding of when to pass the ball, where to send it, and the movement of their teammates ahead of them.

Operating in a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation made it nearly impossible for the Moroccan defense to defend within the boundaries. Sometimes, they could only watch helplessly as Diani and her teammates skillfully maneuvered towards the goal.

A transformation was necessary for the Atlas Lionesses, and it indeed occurred. Reynald Pedros' halftime speech had a significant impact, motivating his team to come out fiercely in the second half.

Sakina Ouzraoui Diki initiated the action with a splendid pass, propelling Jraidi forward, leaving the France defence in his wake. Peyraud-Magnin reacted swiftly, gathering the ball, but the defensive task wasn't over yet.

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Morocco's Sakina Ouzraoui, left, and France's Sakina Karchaoui battle for the ball

Ghizlane Chebbak made a powerful delivery from the left, cutting through the box, but failed to find a Moroccan player.

Morocco continued to press forward, showing signs of encouragement in their relentless attack. However, France capitalized on their chances, with Le Sommer converting her second goal of the match after connecting with Vicki Becho's dynamic cross.

She, like her team, showed no hesitation and now the experienced midfielder has the opportunity to make history. France, previously unable to advance beyond the quarter-finals in any tournament - being eliminated at that stage in 2011, the 2012 Olympics, and last year's Euros - effortlessly defeated Morocco. Australia may face a similar outcome when they meet on Saturday.

What's next?

What is the schedule?

The quarter-finals are set to take place on August 11 and 12 in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney. Following that, the first semi-final will be held in Auckland on August 15, while the second semi-final will occur at the Accor Stadium in Sydney on August 16. The final match will be held at the same venue on August 20.

A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.