Germany v Morocco

Two time World Champions Germany displayed a clinical performance in the opening game of Group H against Women’s World Cup debutants Morocco. Voss-Tecklenburg’s side put an impressive four goals past Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi, alongside two unfortunate own goals conceded by the Atlas Lionesses. On their debut in the competition, Morocco faced early disruption from the German side, positioning to defend a free kick in the first three minutes of play.

The 6-0 scoreline is a return to previous form for Germany, who faced defeat against Zambia and a narrow 2-1 win against Vietnam in their warm up games for the tournament. They undoubtedly have a point to prove following their early exit, by Germany’s standards, in the 2019 edition of the tournament, exiting after defeat in the quarter finals.

The highly anticipated opening match of Group H took place at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Australia, with an attendance of 27,256 fans backing their teams.

Tactical Analysis: Germany

Germany’s formation came as no surprise, lining up in the 4-2-3-1 formation which they have reverted to in many of their recent fixtures. As expected, Captain Alexandra Popp leads the attacking line in the centre forward position. Voss-Tecklenburg favoured Melanie Leupolz in the defensive midfield position to replace regular starter Lena Oberdorf who was not available for match selection due to injury. 

Their lineup which essentially allowed for four to five players to flood the attacking half on break forced Morocco to bring more players into their defensive line, which often included five players due to their 3-4-3 starting line up. This allowed for Germany to control most of the breaks which Morocco made into the German half. Despite this, Morocco broke through to score a goal in the 51st minute, which was disallowed due to an offside decision.

In Morocco set pieces, Germany favoured zonal marking which overloaded the Moroccan team who were unable to find the net or way to break the German defence. This was displayed during a free kick in the second half and Germany’s dominant play resulted in Morocco not receiving a corner kick until the final ten minutes of the match.

Playing on the right and left wings, Jule Brand and Klara Buhl were a persistent issue for the Atlas Lionesses, following the German standard of creating significant pressure on their opponent. Buhl often made chances on the left side, creating runs and often sending balls into the box to find a fellow teammate. She also proved to play an important role in Germany’s set pieces, with precisely placed corners. In the 38th minute, she produced a corner which Popp directed into the back of the net with a low header. One minute into the second half, she bagged herself a goal, creating a threatening run which she then finished following a goal scoring chance by Magull which hit the woodwork.

Following a triple Germany substitution in the 64th minute, Popp slotted into a deep lying striker position with Lea Schuller often leading the attack, closely followed by Popp. Lea Schuller brought a new momentum to the game, and her role as an impact substitution was evident, scoring a goal in the 90th minute, and finding the net with her head in the 94th minute, which was disallowed. Popp was later replaced less than twenty minutes later by Laura Freigang to bring new inspiration to the German attack.

Overall, Germany were tactically strong and displayed the depth and quality they have across all areas of the field. Their squad depth will be important throughout their World Cup campaign, as they look towards lifting the trophy for the third time. They will hope to welcome back Lena Oberdorf and Marina Hegering to the pitch in following matches and have a fully fit squad.

Top Performers: Germany

1. Svenja Huth

The tactical play of Germany’s back four proved to be crucial in their success, with Svenja Huth using her right-back position to make crucial usage of the right wing. The defender played a key role in many of Germany’s attacking movements within the game, assisting the first goal of the game from a precise cross into the box which met the head of Alexandra Popp. Her crossing ability on the flank continued to prove dangerous to the Moroccan defence, who had to keep a strong defensive shape in preparation for the threat she posed down the wing.

2. Alexandra Popp

It was no surprise that the German captain would prove to be crucial in Germany’s performance. Her vast experience and leadership aids in leading the team from the front. Her heading accuracy has definitely been crucial to Germany, and was on full display in the two opening goals of the match.

3. Klara Buhl

Klara Buhl played a key role in Germany’s performance, continuously posing threats down the wings and setting up key chances. Her impressive corner ability saw her assist the second goal, finding Popp in the box. She got her own goal in the opening minutes of the second half, creating the chance on goal and recycling the missed chance by Magull, confidently finding the back of the net. 

4. Jule Brand

On the opposite wing, Jule Brand proved to pose the same level of threat as teammate Klara Buhl. Her technical ability saw her dance around two players at a time and she attempted to create goal scoring chances for Germany. Her link up with Svenja Huth on the right flank made it a gruelling task for Morocco to defend.

Tactical Analysis: Morocco

Given Germany’s dominant display, it is difficult to fully assess the tactics which Morocco have under their belt. The team have proven that they can be competitive, making the final of the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations. It is evident that the team entered their first Women’s World Cup with motivation and confidence, which led them to looking comfortable in possession whilst having the ball throughout the match. In attack they also looked to have the ability to pose a threat, breaking through the Germany defence on multiple instances.

Reynald Pedros’ side initially lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, which was surprising due to their favouring of a 4-3-3 line up in previous matches, and occasionally choosing a 4-2-3-1 line up. This decision may have been in an attempt to overload the German midfield and defence, however often resulted in Morocco having to adopt a back five to stop the threat posed by Germany in attack.

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak was the main threat to Germany, holding strong on the right wing. She set up many of Morocco’s attacking runs and placed multiple dangerous balls that could have been goalscoring opportunities. She also tested the German goalkeeper Merle Frohms, hitting shots which were saved by the keeper. Her precise passing allowed her to set up Morocco’s goal which would later be disallowed. She was joined in the front three by Rosella Ayane, who often finds herself in the centre forward position for her international side. The Atlas Lionesses’ forwards tested the German defence, which proved difficult to pass due to Germany’s strong defensive position.

In the 53rd minute, Morocco conceded an own goal from a corner, increasing Germany’s lead to 4-0. The recycled ball from Huth into the box following the German set piece proved difficult to defend, with Hanane Ait Elhaj guiding it into the net in her attempts to stop Lina Magull finishing the move. Later in the 78th minute, they faced another own goal from a corner, which resulted through Germany’s ability to overload the box in set pieces and apply pressure to the opposition. 

Morocco took the opportunity to bring fresh legs onto the pitch, making full usage of their five substitutions throughout the second half. This allowed them to keep up their defensive efforts against a determined German side and attempt to break in attack for themselves, which proved successful when they won two corners in the final ten minutes of the match.

Top Performers: Morocco

1. Rosella Ayane

It comes as no surprise that Rosella Ayane would demonstrate her prowess in the attacking half following her confident performances often seen at an international level. She attempted to break through lines and pose a threat on the Germany defence and showed a great understanding of how to find her teammates. She showed great determination and belief in her team throughout the match despite the powerful opposition of Germany

2. Ghizlane Chebbak

The Morocco captain played a crucial role in her team’s performance, having attempts on goal and setting up the goal, which would later be disallowed. She was the selected player to take their free kick set piece, and confidently placed it towards the back post to find Rosella Ayane despite the tactically strong Germany. Chebbak held strong on the right wing, setting up dangerous runs and precise balls for her teammates.