World Cup 2022: Morocco can dream of the round of 16
In Group F, Morocco beat Belgium 2-0 on November 27, 2022. © REUTERS / Amanda Perobelli
Text by: Farid Achache Follow
2 mins
Thursday, December 1, the Moroccans face Canada for a place in the round of 16.
Morocco was the first African team in the history of the World Cup to pass the first round in 1986. Since then, the Atlas Lions have always been out in the group stage.
With four points, Morocco needs a victory or a draw to definitively validate its ticket for the round of 16.
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From our Special Envoy in Doha,
After defeating
Croatia
, 2018 world vice-champions, and beating
the Belgians
, semi-finalists in Russia, in Group F, there was no triumphalism on the side of the Atlas Lions, just happy to still be in the running for a place in the second round.
The desire to exist
“
Obviously, I want to be happy with this victory, but we have to recover
,” Moroccan coach Walid Regragui delayed at a press conference after the victory against the Red Devils.
Regragui
urged his players to “
keep that fighting spirit
”.
“
We didn't do anything, we didn't qualify
(for the round of 16, Editor's note),
and I came to qualify.
Perhaps in the eighth round, we will let go of the horses more, but today, we want to exist like the great nations, namely to pass this first round
, ”added the coach of the Atlas Lions.
The return of Yassine Bounou
Forfeited a few moments before the start of the match against Belgium, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou "
is ready
" for this decisive match, coach Walid Regragui said.
Last Sunday, the Sevilla FC goalkeeper, still present on the lawn alongside his teammates at the time of the anthems, had finally given way to Munir El Kajoui.
The Moroccans therefore have their destiny in their hands against Canada.
They total four units and can logically dream of integrating the Top 16 of the tournament, as in 1986 in Mexico.
The Moroccans were then beaten by West Germany (1-0).
Since the start of the World Cup in Qatar, only three selections out of the 32 entered have not conceded a goal: Brazil, Poland and Morocco.
The Atlas Lions have never achieved such a feat in five appearances.
He could finish the group stage keeping a clean sheet.
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