- When Africa was denied a place in the World Cup’s round of 16 four years ago
- It was the first time since the round’s introduction in 1986. However, Qatar’s response was resounding
- For the first time since Algeria and Nigeria in 2014, two teams from the continent have advanced to the knockout round of the tournament in 2022
African nations also broke their previous record of 15 points set in 1998 by scoring a record-breaking 24 points in the group stage.
In order to win Group F, Morocco defeated the second-ranked team in the world, Belgium, and Canada, while Senegal overcame an early loss to the Netherlands to defeat Qatar and Ecuador.
For the first time in history, Cameroon, who triumphantly quit the competition, defeated Brazil 1-0.
The match between Spain and Morocco on Tuesday will mark Morocco’s return to the knockout round after a 36-year absence.
Again, tens of thousands of their supporters will gather to support the only Arab nation still competing in the World Cup.
Walid Regragui, the coach of Morocco, stated that his team hoped to raise the flag of African football.
“We’ve frequently been characterised as being below average or inferior to other places.
“However, I believe that at this World Cup, we are demonstrating that, whether they are South American or European teams, we can compete with anyone.
I’m hoping that in the future, more African countries will perform well at the World Cup. Why not an African champion?
With the tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams, the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will feature more African nations than ever before.
Africa will sooner rather than later be anticipating its first World Cup semifinalist if it doesn’t happen this year.
Group stage complete ✅
It’s a straight road to the #Qatar2022 Final for these 16 teams!#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 2, 2022
In Russia in 2018, Senegal came the closest to advancing past the group stage but fell short due to receiving more yellow cards than Japan.
Although they claimed to be motivated by Morocco’s victory over Belgium, they quickly put such memories to rest when Kalidou Koulibaly volleyed them to victory against Ecuador.
“We observed Morocco’s actions. They defeated Belgium in a stunning victory, according to Senegal’s coach Aliou Cisse.
“Yes, it can serve as our inspiration.”
Adapting mentality
Even the teams that lost in the group stage left their imprint on the competition.
At the World Cup, Cameroon broke an eight-match losing record with a spectacular comeback to tie 3-3 with Serbia before defeating five-time champion Brazil. Tunisia defeated the French champions by a score of 1-0.
African athletes are becoming more and more prominent in elite European clubs. The benefits of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane missing this World Cup are evident even without them.
The last four World Cups have all been won by European teams, and no team from outside of Europe or South America has ever even made it that far.
Regragui continued, “You have to be strong for your first match against a European team since European teams are our adversaries in these events.
“We have players who compete for teams in Europe… The European mentality needs to become our mentality.
Ghana missed out on the semi-finals in 2010, when Asamoah Gyan missed a penalty after Luis Suarez’s handball and the ensuing shootout loss in South Africa.
The Black Stars were defeated 2-0 on Friday as a result of Andre Ayew’s missed penalty at 0-0, which was a case of history repeating itself.
But Ghana was at least content to eliminate Uruguay and advance South Korea.
Midfielder Daniel Amartey responded, “For me, sure (it was fantastic to knock Uruguay out).”
“It was difficult because everyone came over to their center-back” (forward).
“Uruguay needed to achieve one aim.”
There is still a long way to go, but Africa has two hopeful nations that are just three victories away from the championship game for the second time.
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