Global Courant
Morocco become the first Arab team to participate in a Women’s World Cup when they face Germany in Group H.
When: Monday, July 24
Where: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-Off: 6:30 PM local time (08:30 GMT)
Months after the men’s groundbreaking run to the semi-finals in Qatar, the Moroccan women will make their own World Cup history on Monday.
When the Atlas Lionesses take on two-time former champions Germany in Melbourne, they will be the first Arab team to compete in a Women’s World Cup.
The Moroccan women enjoyed a surprise run to last year’s Africa Cup of Nations final, which they hosted, before losing 2-1 to South Africa in front of some 50,000 spectators in Rabat.
Finished 72nd, they are one of the lowest ranked teams in Australia and New Zealand and it would be a surprise if they qualify from the group, but captain Ghizlane Chebbak knows the men have raised expectations.
“Moroccan fans have that passion, just like us players, and we will do everything we can to satisfy them,” she told FIFA.com.
“The guys showed us that nothing is impossible if you fight for it and stay focused,” she added.
Meanwhile, second-place Germany is aiming to win their third Women’s World Cup and first since 2007.
German national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg expects a difficult group stage of the tournament, with South Korea and Colombia in Group H, but still has the title as his main goal.
“But there is no guarantee for that. That was clear in the opener of the tournament: two games decided on details. It will be the same for us, already in the group stage,” she said.
Team news Germany
Germany will begin its Women’s World Cup campaign without key players Lena Oberdorf and Marina Hegering due to injury. They will probably be replaced by Chelsea players Sjoeke Nuesken and Melanie Leupolz.
Morocco team news
Morocco has not announced any absences.
Form and FIFA World Rankings
Germany (second place): DWLWL
Morocco (72nd place): LLDDL
Head to head
It will be the first ever match between Germany and Morocco.
Players to watch
Germany: Captain and goalscorer Alexandra Popp is one of the biggest stars in German sport, having won every trophy at club level, including two Champions Leagues with Wolfsburg. Despite setbacks from injuries, Popp scored 62 goals in 128 appearances for Germany.
Morocco: Star striker Rosella Ayane scored the penalty that secured the World Cup spot. She chose to play for her father’s home country rather than England, scoring seven goals in her first 15 caps.
Where to watch the match?
Worldwide lists are available at livesoccertv.com.
You can also follow our live blog on match day.
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