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Doha: Morocco face Spain on Tuesday with their World Cup quarter-final place at stake.
It was undoubtedly the largest match in the history of the country, perhaps the largest ever held in an Arab country. A knockout match against football superpowers on the global stage – that’s the dream.
No reason to have nightmares either. After all, Morocco tops the group with seven points, more than any other Arab nation.
This is also a team that has conceded just one goal in seven games under coach Walid Regraj. It was even an unfortunate own goal in Thursday’s 2-1 win over Canada.
The team started with a draw against Croatia and then deservedly beat Belgium 2-0. Spain beat Costa Rica 7-0 but were then held to a draw by Germany and beat Japan 2-1 for second place.
The Europeans remain favorites for the title, but they barely created any possession against Japan. Morocco has no reason to be afraid of Spain. They have shown that they can endure and beat some of the best teams in Europe.
Morocco is now a force to be reckoned with. They’ve been here before, winning the group stage in 1986 before losing 1-0 to West Germany when Lothar Matthews scored with just two minutes remaining in a tough game for Mexico. The only goal.
One more round this time will allow the current group of players to obtain immortal status.
If they succeed, a quarter-final against Portugal or Switzerland will really get North Africa excited.
They already have quality. Captain Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd excelled in defence. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is as reliable as they come. The likes of Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech, Paris Saint-Germain’s Ashraf Hakimi and Bayern Munich’s Nasser Mazraoui play at the highest level clubs on a weekly basis and have started at this World Cup Show your own level.
It’s the kind of star that needs to be at his best against the 2010 champions. A World Cup knockout will not upset them and they were able to help Morocco progress quickly and have a devastating impact.
Soon, some of their national team teammates will join them in the Champions League. Liverpool are reportedly interested in midfielder Sofian Amrabat, who has been one of the World Cup’s standouts so far. His current club Fiorentina are big, but a move to an elite side is possible.
Youssef En-Nesyri also impressed. The Sevilla striker will know the Spanish national team well. He could also move elsewhere in 2023 and there are already reports that West Ham are interested in him.
“We are determined to continue the dream in Qatar with the same will, determination and perseverance,” said the 25-year-old. “Our focus will be on who we are, what we are capable of and what is possible to perform at a level worthy of the Moroccan national team in order to continue the successful venture.”
And coach Regragui. The 47-year-old replaces Vahid Halilhodzic for just over three months. As well as bringing tactical discipline, he has been lauded for his motivating skills and bringing together a squad that at times looked disjointed under the previous manager.
Surprisingly, following the win over Canada, Regraj rebuffed attempts by his players to throw him into the air, but eventually backed down. Very informative, this is a case so far, very good, but there is still work to be done.
While the destination is still unknown, everyone is enjoying the ride.
“I never wanted to achieve anything for my country,” Hakimi said. “Playing with Morocco is fantastic. It’s better to do something big for your country than at a club.
“I’m here to help all Moroccans. When I was young, I saw the previous generation at the World Cup and I dreamed of being like them.”
What happens on the pitch remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Moroccan fans will win games in the stands. They are one of the loudest, most passionate and largest groups of supporters at the World Cup.
Due to the demand for the Spanish game, FIFA issued an additional 5,000 tickets. There will be “home field” advantage and a fantastic atmosphere.
That’s how it should be. The locals will support them too. Much of Africa fell behind Ghana at the 2010 World Cup when the Black Stars were the only team left in the competition. Morocco now represents the Arab world, and history awaits us.
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