Germany made a strong showing in their FIFA Women's World Cup opener with the biggest win of the tournament so far, sweeping debutants Morocco 6-0 in the first round of Group H on Monday.
The two-time champions were dominant throughout the match with high pressing tactics. Despite a disappointing goalless defeat, Morocco had already made history by becoming the first-ever Arabian team to feature at the tournament.
In the 11th minute, the Germans' suffocating press forced a loose pass from Morocco back, allowing Kathrin Hendrich to provide a point cross from right, and it was headed home by Alexandra Popp, who scored at the third straight World Cup.
The German captain registered her second goal in the 39th minute, when she headed the ball into goal over two defenders from a left corner delivered by Klara Buehl.
Just seconds after the break, Germany extended their lead to 3-0 as Buehl nudged in a rebound shot after Lina Magull's close-range strike hit the post.
Morocco found the back of the net in the 53rd minute, but Anissa Lahmari's goal was disallowed for offside.
Germany continued their formidable display and added another two goals from corners in the 54th and 79th minutes, thanks to own goals from Hanane Ait El Haj and Zineb Redouani respectively.
In the 90th minute, substitute Lea Schueller scored the sixth goal for Germany as they eclipsed Japan's 5-0 win over Zambia for the biggest winning margin so far at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
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