The Moroccan national team will enter its match in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar against Spain, as the least fortunate party in theory, but the Arab national team is ready for another confrontation, hoping to achieve a surprise, and win over the world champion in 2010 36 years after its last appearance in the tournament. This stage of the tournament.
Morocco advanced to the knockout stages after topping its group in the first round, after beating Canada and Belgium and drawing with Croatia, to appear in the round of 16 in the tournament for the first time since 1986, when it lost to West Germany.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui said in a press conference - today, Monday - "It will be a very difficult match against one of the best teams in the world. He is among the favorites to win. But - we also - we have aspects in which we excel, and we will have an extra day to recover. And if we succeed If you win, it will be a big surprise."
The Moroccan coach added, "I told the players before the World Cup that we will only play final matches here. We played 3 final matches in the group stage, and now this is the fourth final confrontation."
Walid Regragui, coach of the Moroccan national team:
We hope to play a great match against Spain and make history for our country #WorldCup_Qatar_2022 |
#FIFAWorldCup |
#Qatar2022 @FRMFofficiel @EnMaroc pic.twitter.com/rmEN5lyhfv
- Al-Kass channels (@alkasschannel) December 5, 2022
The Moroccan and Spanish teams tied 2-2 in the group stage in the last edition in Russia four years ago, but Rekragui confirms that this match has become a thing of the past for both sides, and he said that his team needs to be fully focused;
Because the details will be crucial.
"I liked our performance in the second half against Canada when we stuck to our plan and were focused. Against Spain we will have to play the whole match in this way," said Regragui.
Another factor for the Moroccan team is how to deal with the psychological aspect in the Education City stadium.
"We haven't reached this level in 36 years. So me and my coaching staff will have to manage the psychological aspect of my players," said Regragui, whose team has conceded only once in 6 matches since he took over the "Atlas Lions" coach.
He added, "This is the biggest match in the history of our team, but I hope that the biggest match will be the next match (in the quarter-finals). Our match against West Germany is over, but the Spain match is against us now."
"I will ask my players to enjoy, because millions in Morocco will watch the match. We have to accept that Spain will have possession of the ball. We have our strengths, we gave up possession to Belgium and Croatia, and it worked. Our plan is to do nothing with the ball."