World Cup goal scorer Ibtissam Jraidi describes historic win as ‘victory for Morocco, Arabs’

Adelaide: Moroccan footballer Ibtissam Jraidi’s name will forever be etched into the record books after the 30-year-old became the first Arab woman to score at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Al-Ahli forward helped the Lionesses of Atlas to a 1-0 win over South Korea to keep their World Cup hopes alive heading into the final match against Colombia.

After the ignominy of their 6-0 loss to Germany in their opening encounter, Morocco arrived in Adelaide on Sunday keen to avoid a similar fate against a side ranked 55 places higher in the official FIFA rankings.

Morocco had the majority of the support among the 12,886 fans inside the intimate confines of Hindmarsh Stadium — the smallest ground in use at this year’s Women’s World Cup.

As the sun momentarily shone on Hindmarsh Stadium on a crisp, and occasionally wet, winter’s day in the South Australian capital, Jraidi got low down to glance on an inch-perfect cross from Hanane Ait El-Haj past the outstretched arms of Korean stopper Kim Jung-mi to give her side a sixth-minute lead against their more fancied opponents.

The ecstasy was etched on the faces of everyone involved in the Moroccan team as the entire bench of substitutes emptied onto the field of play and ran over to mob Jraidi in a moment of sheer joy.

And it was a lead they would not surrender, holding on to record their first ever victory at the Women’s World Cup, sparking wild celebrations both on the pitch and in the stands.

Even the small collection of Moroccan media got in on the act, celebrating with the players with hugs, high-fives, and selfies in the post-match mixed zone.

Jraidi said: “We are just so pleased our efforts have paid off. This victory is for Morocco and Arabs, it’s the fruit of our