6:0 thanks to Waru? Germany wins hands down – so does Brazil

22-year-old Klara Bühl crocheted this cute koala with a Germany jersey for the @DFB_Frauen. Apparently, the mascot had an effect at the World Cup opener.

Italy started the World Cup with a late 1:0 win against Argentina. Cristiana Girelli of Juventus Turin scored the redeeming goal in the 87th minute.

Girelli had been substituted just three minutes earlier in Auckland. Italy are now level with Sweden in Group G.

Germany got the tournament off to a fantastic start with a 6-0 win over World Cup newcomer Morocco – thanks in part to two headed goals from team captain Alexandra Popp.

Whether this is thanks to Waru, the DFB women’s lucky charm, remains to be seen in the coming matches. 22-year-old Klara Bühl crocheted the cute koala with the Germany jersey for her team.

The DFB women thus take the lead in the preliminary round group H for the time being. In the remaining games, Germany will face Colombia and South Korea.

Brazil’s women’s soccer team also dominated in their World Cup opener against debutants Panama. In Adelaide, Australia, the Slesçao won 4:0 to take the lead in Group F. The Seleçao’s next opponents are Colombia and Korea. The Seleçao’s next opponent is France on Saturday.

Three-goal scorer Ary Borges stood out for the game-happy South Americans. The 23-year-old striker scored the opener in the 19th minute and added two more goals (39th/70th). Bia Zaneratto (48th) made it 3:0 after the most beautiful move of this World Cup so far.

To the cheers of the 13,142 fans, six-time World Cup winner Marta came on for Borges in the 75th minute. The 37-year-old, who is taking part in a World Cup for the sixth time, did not manage to score another goal.