Sport
Sinead Butler
Jul 30, 2023
content.jwplatform.com
Footballer Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco has made history as the first player at senior level to wear a hijab at the Women's World Cup.
The 25-year-old defender wore the Islamic headscarf when she played in her first game at the tournament on July 30 at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) authorised players can wear a head covering for religious reasons back in 2014.
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In the end, Morocco won in a 1-0 victory against South Korea. It was their second game after being defeated 6-0 in their opening match against Germany on July 24.
Benzina was an unused substitute during her side's match against Germany.
Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco in action during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Korea Republic and Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium on July 30, 2023, in Adelaide, AustraliaPhoto by Sarah Reed/Getty Images
Here are some of the best reactions to Benzina making history:
This is Morocco's tournament debut, and they are the first Arab or North African nation to qualify.
Other countries making their debut also include Haiti, Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Vietnam and Zambia.
Next, Morocco who are currently sitting third in Group H, will play against second-place Columbia on August 3.
Meanwhile, Germany is at the top of Group H with South Korea at the bottom after two defeats.
Elsewhere, here are the 10 best Women's World Cup goals ever, Lioness Fran Kirby on why more venues need to be showing the Women's World Cup, and England fans cheer as Lionesses beat Haiti in the opening World Cup match.
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