Moroccan team captain Ghizlane Chebbak and coach Reynald Pedros came across as focused and determined as they took questions from reporters the day before their opening World Cup clash with Germany, with Pedros saying via a translator, “We are ready to fight.” Here’s what you need to know:
- Morocco qualified for its first Women’s World Cup with a runner-up finish in the 2022 African Cup of Nations, eliminating reigning champions Nigeria in the semifinals on penalties.
- Morocco is the first Arab country to qualify for the Women’s World Cup.
- Nouhaila Benzina will be the first player to wear a hijab at a senior women’s football tournament.
- FIFA authorized playing with head covers for religious purposes in 2014, after banning hijabs in competition in 2007.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What was the mood at the news conference?
The atmosphere from the Moroccan media was intense but excited, with plenty of questions focused on the team’s preparations. Reporters asked Chebbak and Pedros if they were feeling the stress of being at their first World Cup, particularly opening up against former world and European champions Germany.
The Moroccan media focused on team preparations, while some questions from other international reporters skewed political. Chebbak politely did…
