‘Waru’ the knitted koala: crocheted mascot becomes Germany’s secret World Cup weapon

• Waru' was crocheted by star forward Klara Buehl
• Teammates have been taking turns looking after cuddly koala

As the German national team gathered before their opening match of the Women's World Cup, a convincing win over Morocco in Melbourne, a curious knitted mascot sat on the grass in the middle of the huddle.

Lying on top of a shirt bearing the name and number of defender Carolin Simon, who was ruled out through injury on the eve of the tournament, sat a koala named Waru".