Morocco will become the first Arab team to play at the Women’s World Cup when they face Germany in Group H.
When: Monday, July 24
Where: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
Start: 6:30pm local time (08:30 GMT)
After months of men low pressure through to the semi-finals in Qatar, the Moroccan women will make their own history on Monday.
When the Atlas Lionesses meet former champions Germany in Melbourne, they will be the first Arab team to play in the tournament. Women’s World Cup.
Morocco’s women made a surprise run to the final of last year’s African Cup of Nations, which they hosted, before losing 2-1 to South Africa in front of 50,000 spectators in Rabat.
At 72nd, they are one of the lowest-ranked teams in Australia and New Zealand and it would be a surprise if they made it out of the group, but captain Ghizlane Chebbak knows the men will raise expectations.
“Moroccan fans are so interested, as are the players, and we will give everything to satisfy them,” he told FIFA.com.
“These men have shown us that nothing is impossible if you fight and stay focused,” he added.
Meanwhile, second-placed Germany are looking to win their third Women’s World Cup title and first since 2007.
Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg is expecting some tough teams in the tournament, with South Korea and Colombia. also in Group Hhowever, he has the title as his main focus.
“But there is no guarantee of that. This was evident in the opening game: two games were decided in detail. It will be the same for us, we are already in the group,” he said.
News about the German team
Germany are set to start their Women’s World Cup campaign without key players Lena Oberdorf and Marina Hegering due to injury. Chelsea players Sjoeke Nuesken and Melanie Leupolz have been replaced.
News about the Moroccan team
Morocco has not declared its absence.
Forms and FIFA international rankings
Germany (placed second): DWLWL
Morocco (ranked 72): LLDL
Head to head
It will be the first match between Germany and Morocco.
Players to watch
Germany: Captain and goal machine Alexandra Popp is one of the biggest stars in the German game having won every club award, including two Champions Leagues with Wolfsburg. Despite injuries, Popp has scored 62 goals in 128 games for Germany.
Morocco: Star striker Rosella Ayane scored the penalty that won the World Cup. He chose to play for his father’s home country instead of England and scored seven goals in his first 15 games.
Watching the game?
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