- Morocco has played 1613 passes in five games.
- Atlas Lions face France in a World Cup semi-final.
- Morocco’s only goal in 5 games was a self-goal against Canada.
The Atlas Lions are the first team from Africa to go to the semi-finals, and their success can be attributed to a fearless coach, a rock-solid defence, and significant investment.
Walid Regragui said “World Cup” four times in 15 minutes. All were preceded by what-if or why-not, but the Morocco coach has a team, country, continent, and more believing that.
His dream was free. Without can-do spirit and work, they mean nothing. “Others won’t give… “The large European countries desire to win by themselves,” he remarked.
Morocco entered the World Cup FIFA’s 22nd-ranked team.
Their route to the semifinals:
▪️ Beat No. 2-ranked Belgium
▪️ Beat No. 7-ranked Spain
▪️ Beat No. 9-ranked Portugal
▪️ Conceded one goal in five games…an own-goal against Canada— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 11, 2022
Regragui stated his first objective was to pick out players who merely wanted to be there. “I can’t bring the guy who comes to play three games and have fun. My team and country were informed. Then the continent. When asked about his path from solitary dreamer to Pied Piper, he answered, “Now, the world is with Morocco.”
No coach since 1966 has had fewer World Cup semi-final games than Regragui’s eight.
Atlas Lions face France in a World Cup semi-final on Wednesday. Morocco’s highest World Cup finish was 11th in 1986, the only time they advanced past the group stage.
Morocco’s underdog story hasn’t been seen since South Korea in 2002. Regragui stated, “We’re Rocky in this tournament.”
Morocco has played 1613 passes in five games; Spain played 1043 versus Costa Rica. In a 1-0 win versus Portugal, they used a low block 31% of the time and a middle block 34%. Goncalo Ramos, the only World Cup hat-trick scorer, had two touches in Morocco’s box.
When given the chance, they’ve struck back. “If you have hope, work hard, fight, and believe, you can do anything,” stated Regragui. As Portugal advanced, Morocco made more final third entries (31%). Azzedine Ounahi can dribble, only Lionel Messi has more in Ligue 1, and Achraf Hakimi began the second half with a good run that pulled out Pepe. Youssef En-Neysri scored when Diogo Costa missed.
Morocco beat Belgium, Canada, Spain, and Portugal to reach the semifinals. Their only goal in five games was a self-goal against Canada. They’ve had nine shots and four clean sheets. “No miracles, just hard work. Top teams have no antidote… Regragui added, “We’re tough to beat.”
Yassine Bounou stated this proves Moroccans can play. “Moroccan players can compete with anyone in the world.” The next generation will know Moroccan athletes can achieve this, he said.
Yahia Attiyat Allah, Yahya Jabrane, Badr Benoun. They aren’t among the 14 non-Moroccan players and don’t play in Europe. Attiyat Allah, Jabrane, and Benoun play in Morocco. Regragui: “We must work with Moroccan-born players.”
“Sir, Sir” is chanted during their games. Morocco has made it hard to believe that they missed the next four World Cups after 1998. It also reflects Morocco’s football dedication.
From 1994 until 2026, Morocco bid on every World Cup. Since rejoining the African Union in 2017, Morocco has used football to look out. Juneidi Basha, head of the Ethiopian Football Federation, said Morocco is taking positive strides to create strong ties with AU member nations since rejoining the AU.
A proud day in Morocco’s football history! 🇲🇦🙌 #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 11, 2022
Morocco left the OAU in 1984 to protest Western Sahara recognition. After years of king-led diplomacy, they returned.
All of Morocco’s national teams use the king’s state-of-the-art football training centre, the largest in Africa. Cost $65 million. 2009 saw the founding of the Mohammed VI Football Academy. Regragui noted four players are academy graduates. All 16 top-tier Moroccan teams must undertake youth development programmes.
After beating Spain, Regragui praised the 10-year “efforts” to improve fields and hire additional coaches. “Working and being patient will show in your pitch.”
King celebrated the results on the streets. Regragui says the actual party hasn’t started.
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