In a powerful display of skill and prowess, Germany kickstarted their Women’s World Cup campaign with a resounding 6-0 victory over tournament debutants Morocco. The talismanic striker, Alexandra Popp, shone brightly, netting two goals to lead her team to an emphatic win at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Monday.

With a historic milestone as the first Arab team to compete in a Women’s World Cup, Morocco’s dream debut took a hit as Germany dominated from the early minutes. Popp’s 12th-minute header set the tone for an eventful match, propelling the Germans forward on their title pursuit.

The German skipper, Popp, showcased her prowess once again, adding another goal before the halftime whistle, setting the stage for a commanding display by the two-time former champions. Klara Buehl joined the scoring spree, finding the back of the net with Germany’s first attack after the restart.

Morocco struggled to counter the relentless German onslaught, leading to two own goals from Hanane Ait El Haj and Zineb Redouani, further compounding the debutant’s woes. Substitute Lea Schueller put the finishing touches on the victory, delivering a last-minute strike to complete the 6-0 rout.

The match proved to be the biggest mismatch on paper, with Germany’s world ranking soaring 70 places above Morocco. The vast gulf in experience and skill was evident throughout the game, with the German team displaying their attacking prowess and technical finesse.

Despite the challenging circumstances, the Atlas Lionesses showed glimpses of brilliance and had a goal disallowed. The support from 27,256 fans at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium created an electric atmosphere, highlighting the essence of a World Cup tournament.

Skipper Popp expressed her delight with the team’s performance, acknowledging the difficulty of the opening match but celebrating their ability to impose their game on the opponents. Germany’s coach, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, has led the team to impressive progress, moulding a dynamic and front-foot team that finished runners-up at last year’s European Championship.

For Morocco’s French coach, Reynald Pedros, the match was a tough test against a superior team, drawing a parallel to the legendary tale of David and Goliath. While acknowledging the challenges, Pedros remained positive, emphasising the team’s determination to keep their heads held high.

Germany’s World Cup journey is far from over, as they seek to add a third title to their collection. The team’s performances in recent years have demonstrated their potential, and with their commanding start against Morocco, they are set to be a force to be reckoned with in the competition.

As the tournament unfolds, football fans worldwide eagerly await the captivating battles between the world’s best teams, eager to witness the exhilarating moments of triumph and heartache that the Women’s World Cup always promises.