AUCKLAND/SYDNEY: New Zealand’s dreams of glory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which they had begun so positively, are now mere football history.

The co-hosts were eliminated after being held goalless by Switzerland in Dunedin on the final matchday of Group A and thus became the first host nation to fail to make it into the knockout section.

This had been the Football Ferns’ sixth appearance in the finals but defeat in their second match by Philippines proved fatal

Switzerland, instead, progressed as group winners followed by Norway who demolished Philippines 6-0 in Auckland to edge out New Zealand on goal difference.

Norway, who had lost 1-0 to New Zealand on the opening day, owed victory at Eden Park to a hat-trick from Sophie Haug and further strikes from Caroline Graham Hansen, Alicia Barker (own goal) and Guro Reiten (penalty).

Philippines played the last 25 minutes with 10 players after the expulsion of newly-arrived substitute Sofia Harrison for a late challenge on Thea Bjelde.

Brilliant Colombia

The Group H finale saw Colombia snatch a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany with both teams qualifying for the round of 16.

A brilliant goal from Linda Caicedo gave Colombia the lead after 52 minutes before the Germans believed they had grabbed a draw with a penalty from Alexandra Popp in the 89^th minute. Instead Colombia grabbed victory and top spot in the group with a winner from Manuela Vanegas seven minutes into stoppage time. Germany still went through as runners-up.

Morocco, despite a 1-0 victory over bottom team South Korea, were eliminated with them. Defender Nouhaila Benzina made history on becoming the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup, nine years after the use wearing of head coverings for religious reasons was approved by the International Board.

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