WWC newcomers Morocco raring for Germany clash

Anna Harrington | July 24, 2023

Women’s World Cup newcomers Morocco are confident they can take it up to tournament heavyweights Germany in their debut on football’s biggest stage.

Morocco qualified for their first Women’s World Cup as runners-up at the Women’s African Cup of Nations but facing the world No.2 and two-time champions is another level altogether.

Coach Reynald Pedros said Morocco “are ready to fight” on debut at Melbourne’s AAMI Park on Monday.

“They all know they’re here at the World Cup,” Pedros said via a translator. 

“They all know it’s going to be their first game and they are debutants. 

“But the message for them is that it is something that is extremely positive; it’s going to give us so much experience.”

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak said: “We are not here just to make up the numbers, but to compete.”

Morocco are the first Arab nation to reach the tournament while Nouhaila Benzina will become the first player to wear a hijab at a Women’s World Cup – which was authorised by FIFA in 2014.

“We are honoured to be the first Arab country to take part in the Women’s World Cup,” Chebbak said.

“We feel that we have to shoulder a big responsibility to show a good image, and to show the achievements that the Moroccan football team has made in terms of progress by qualifying to the World Cup. 

“This is a great milestone for us and we hope that our match with Germany tomorrow will pave the way for other matches.”

Elsewhere on Monday, Italy and Argentina will kick off the day’s action when they meet at Eden Park.

The match will be crucial in the race to progress from Group G, likely behind world No.3 Sweden.

Brazil will begin their campaign, and legendary attacker Marta’s final Cup, when they take on Panama in Adelaide.

With France also in Group F and goal difference potentially playing a big role in standings, Brazil will be attempting to seal a comfortable win.