There is a popular saying that goes, “What a man can do, a woman can do better.” While many women would approve of this, an opportunity to confirm this comes tomorrow when Germany faces Morocco in the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With the Moroccan men’s team going on a dream semifinal run in the World Cup, it is not farfetched to see the women’s team embark on a similar run. They are, after all, record breakers in their own right, becoming the first Arab nation to play at the Women’s World Cup. They also had a surprise run of their own, getting to the final of the WAFCON last year as hosts, where they lost to South Africa 2-1 in Rabat.
Morocco is one of the lowest-ranked teams playing in the World Cup, but there is a look about them that shows they are ready to do battle and get what they want. It is going to be a stern test for them for them despite all of the fight and spirit, however, as Germany is no slouches when it comes to this competition. Having lifted the trophy twice and consecutively at that, they also have a 100 percent record in qualifying for the knockout rounds in this tournament and have appeared in every World Cup so far. They were unlucky runners-up at Euro 2022, where they lost to England after extra time, and are currently second in the rankings. They will be looking to start strongly and give themselves an early boost after a not-so-solid pre-tournament season when they lost to lower-ranked seeds Zambia 3-2.
Morocco will be led by superb captain Ghizlane Chebbak who will be earning her 61st cap in the process. Roselle Ayane, currently of Tottenham Hotspur, will be looking to lead the line and score the team’s first World Cup goals. Hanane Ait El Haj will be a strong presence in defence, and Elodie Nakkach should partner the team captain in midfield. The team performed admirably at the WAFCON, leading the tournament for possession, shots, shots on target (joint), and passing accuracy. While they might not be able to translate this in this tournament due to the presence of better opposition, we are sure to see a bit of what made them reach the WAFCON final on display against Germany.
Germany will be looking to experienced 62-goal Alexandra Popp to lead the line as captain and in attack, backed by probably the strongest midfield trio in the tournament (Sara Däbritz (Lyon), Lena Oberdorf (Wolfsburg), and Lina Magull (Bayern Munich). Germany is the clear favourite in this encounter and will be looking to get the job done and start strongly. It’s time to prove who can do it better for women, so let’s see what miracle can spring up this time. The Slay-Ballers Campaign is African, so kindly support Morocco as they look to make history tomorrow!