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World Cup 2022: the tears of Achraf Hakimi, the joy of Morocco
Achraf Hakimi (left) and Sofyan Amrabat (centre) celebrate the first goal scored against Belgium by Abdelhamid Sabiri (right).
AP - Christophe Ena
Text by: Farid Achache Follow
2 mins
Three days after their victory against Belgium, Morocco won their match against Canada on Thursday, December 1, who finished last in group F.
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From our special envoy to Qatar,
While Morocco had been waiting for a qualification for the second round since 1986, the Atlas Lions even paid themselves the luxury of climbing to the top of their group.
If the second half of the Moroccans was not as flamboyant as the first, they remained on the lawn for a long time at the final whistle to commune with the public of
the Al Thumama stadium
, who gave voice throughout the game, for this first World Cup in an Arab country.
“
The Moroccan people can be proud of their team
”
For the first time since the start of the World Cup, the Atlas Lions were announced favorites, and they did not tremble against the Canadians.
“
The opponent was all fired up for the first ten minutes.
We fought and we showed resilience.
We knew it would be complicated.
Morocco are a fantastic team with players who play in the Premier League.
The Moroccan people can be proud of their team
,” admits Canadian coach John Herdman, who considers Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi as a fighter.
“
When you have the opportunity to make history, you shouldn't miss it.
We had the pressure, the stress.
We fought to snatch our second victory in a row in this World
Cup,” said Walid Regragui, coach of the Atlas Lions.
A childhood dream for Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi talks about a close-knit family with a new generation that wants to do great things.
“
I am proud to represent Morocco
,” said the Paris Saint-Germain player, visibly moved, who was crying after the match.
“
Representing Morocco is a childhood dream.
I saw my family, all those who support me and it was moving.
I am delighted to have been able to take advantage of this moment
, ”he admits.
“
We did not come to do extras.
I wanted us to change our state of mind.
We want to be like the other big teams.
We also wanted to have a plan for this group stage.
I know we still have work to do.
We are going to play Moroccan games with European sauce,
”concludes Walid Regragui.
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