Morocco were on ‘last legs’ in World Cup semi-final defeat to France, Walid Regragui admits
2 years ago

Morocco were on ‘last legs’ in World Cup semi-final defeat to France, Walid Regragui admits

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Morocco coach Walid Regragui insists he had no regrets after his decision to name captain Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in his starting line-up for their World Cup semi-final loss to France. Theo Hernandez struck early on but Morocco – the first African semi-finalists in history – more than matched their illustrious opponents before substitute Randal Kolo Muani’s first France goal secured a 2-0 win in the closing stages. “At a World Cup, this was one step too far, not in terms of quality or tactics but physically, we had too many players at 60-70 per cent.” Regragui believes Morocco have helped the imagine of African football on a global stage and that he will now be cheering on France in Sunday’s final. “You can’t win a World Cup with miracles, you need to win it through hard work and that is what we will do, we will keep working.”

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History of this topic

Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz proves why Spain’s loss is very much Morocco’s gain
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz proves why Spain’s loss is very much Morocco’s gain

New York Times  

A few minutes had passed at the end of Real Madrid’s match against Osasuna and — as usual — Brahim Diaz went to one of the corners to thank his fans for their support at the El Sadar Stadium in Pamplona. Brahim on his full debut in 2021 After some outstanding performances with Real Madrid this season — he has …

Walid Regragui to remain as Morocco head coach
11 months ago

Walid Regragui to remain as Morocco head coach

New York Times  

Walid Regragui will remain Morocco’s head coach despite a disappointing performance at the Africa Cup of Nations. In a statement, the Moroccan FA said that president Fouzi Lekjaa held “held several evaluation meetings regarding the participation of the national football team in the Africa Cup of Nations finals,” concluding that it was in the best interests of the nation to …

Coach Walid Regragui encourages Morocco to focus only on what is ahead of them
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Coach Walid Regragui encourages Morocco to focus only on what is ahead of them

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has told his …

Morocco eases to 3-0 win over Tanzania in Africa Cup opener, Congo ‘Leopards’ held by Zambia 1-1
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Morocco eases to 3-0 win over Tanzania in Africa Cup opener, Congo ‘Leopards’ held by Zambia 1-1

Associated Press  

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — Youssef En-Nesyri had to wait until he was on the substitutes’ bench before celebrating a goal that helped Morocco seal a 3-0 win over Tanzania in their opening Africa Cup of Nations game on Wednesday. “We’re happy because you always have to start well,” Morocco coach Walid Regragui said. We’ll have to accept not having possession …

France ends Morocco’s run and advances to the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup
1 year, 5 months ago

France ends Morocco’s run and advances to the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup

Associated Press  

ADELAIDE, Australia — France coach Herve Renard high-fived his staff on the sideline as it became clear his team was on its way to the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup. The French scored once more in the second half to win 4-0 and end Morocco’s historic debut run at the World Cup. The Atlas Lions were also the first …

No split loyalties for France and Morocco coaches ahead of Women’s World Cup clash
1 year, 5 months ago

No split loyalties for France and Morocco coaches ahead of Women’s World Cup clash

Associated Press  

It would be understandable if the coaches of France and Morocco had divided loyalties when their teams meet in the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday in Adelaide. France’s Herve Renard led Morocco’s men’s team to the 2018 World Cup. Morocco coach Reynald Pedros, meanwhile, is French and insists “my heart is with Morocco.” Morocco is …

Morocco looking to exceed expectations again in ‘special’ France World Cup Round of 16 clash
1 year, 5 months ago

Morocco looking to exceed expectations again in ‘special’ France World Cup Round of 16 clash

The Hindu  

Morocco’s clash with favourite France in the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday will be a special occasion for its players and coach Reynald Pedros as the tournament debutant aims to continue its fairytale run by reaching the quarterfinals. Six members of France’s World Cup squad played under him at Lyon, including captain Wendie Renard and all-time top scorer Eugenie Le …

We are here to qualify for the quarterfinals, says France coach Herve Renard ahead of Morocco clash
1 year, 5 months ago

We are here to qualify for the quarterfinals, says France coach Herve Renard ahead of Morocco clash

The Hindu  

France coach Herve Renard has fond memories of managing Morocco’s men’s soccer team, but when his Les Bleues meet the North African nation in the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup the only thing on his mind will be winning. “In terms of Morocco, we had prepared for this to happen,” Renard told reporters on Monday, on the …

Morocco coach Regragui in dreamland after win over Brazil
1 year, 9 months ago

Morocco coach Regragui in dreamland after win over Brazil

The Hindu  

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has hailed his team as history maker after it followed up its giant-killing feats of last year’s World Cup with its first win over Brazil in a friendly in Tangier on Saturday. The Atlas Lions became the first Arab team to defeat the five-time world champion, with goals from Sofiane Boufal and substitute Abdelhamid Sabiri earning …

Morocco to be more daring against Brazil than in World Cup says Regragui
1 year, 9 months ago

Morocco to be more daring against Brazil than in World Cup says Regragui

The Hindu  

World Cup semifinalists Morocco will not hold back in their friendly against Brazil on Saturday as it aims to deliver a statement win against the five-time world champions in its first home game after an outstanding Qatar 2022 campaign. “Against Brazil we can’t change our identity, pretend to be something who we are not, but we can take more risks …

Olivier Giroud and Raphael Varane doubts for World Cup final after being left out of a training side
2 years ago

Olivier Giroud and Raphael Varane doubts for World Cup final after being left out of a training side

Daily Mail  

There are doubts over the fitness of both Raphael Varane and Olivier Giroud after the pair were not included in a team for France's closed training session. It comes as Les Bleus prepare to face Lionel Scaloni's Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday. Olivier Giroud is an injury doubt for the World Cup final after being left out …

Karim Benzema ruled out of World Cup final by Didier Deschamps
2 years ago

Karim Benzema ruled out of World Cup final by Didier Deschamps

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Didier Deschamps has ruled out the prospect of …

We wanted to play the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, not the playoffs: Walid Regragui
2 years ago

We wanted to play the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, not the playoffs: Walid Regragui

The Hindu  

Morocco may not have reached the World Cup final but the players and supporters can take pride in the fact that they will leave Qatar having played seven games, a first for any African nation, coach Walid Regragui said on Friday. “Morocco played six World Cup games in 20-odd years and now we’ve played six games in a month - …

Morocco’s intoxicating run shows why they should host the 2030 World Cup
2 years ago

Morocco’s intoxicating run shows why they should host the 2030 World Cup

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The country has unsuccessfully bid five times to host the World Cup …

Morocco looks to the future after World Cup dream ends
2 years ago

Morocco looks to the future after World Cup dream ends

Associated Press  

DOHA, Qatar — Morocco made history, but couldn’t make it past Kylian Mbappé and France. The first African country to reach the semifinals of the World Cup was eventually beaten by defending champions France, losing 2-0 at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday. Morocco coach Walid Regragui and his players became the unlikeliest story of the World Cup and even in …

FIFA World Cup dreams shattered, Croatia and Morocco dust themselves off for third place play-off
2 years ago

FIFA World Cup dreams shattered, Croatia and Morocco dust themselves off for third place play-off

The Hindu  

As Croatia and Morocco pick up the pieces after their World Cup semi-finals defeats, the two teams will welcome the prospect of potentially leaving Qatar on a high when they square up in the third-place playoff on Saturday. Beating two world class teams in Argentina and France to reach the final proved to be a step too far for Croatia …

Morocco coach Walid Regragui rues injuries after loss vs France in FIFA World Cup semi-final: One step too far
2 years ago

Morocco coach Walid Regragui rues injuries after loss vs France in FIFA World Cup semi-final: One step too far

India Today  

The first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup Morocco bowed out of the finals race after getting defeated by defending champions France. Morocco coach Walid Regragui rued the same and said that he had too many players at 60-70 per cent fitness. Morocco defeated Belgium, Spain and then Portugal to reach the semi-finals of the …

World Cup: Morocco boss Walid Regragui says his side can be proud after France loss
2 years ago

World Cup: Morocco boss Walid Regragui says his side can be proud after France loss

Daily Mail  

Morocco coach Walid Regragui claimed there was no shame in losing to France in their 2-0 World Cup semi-final, saying his team had showed their country 'exists'. Morocco boss Walid Regragui says his side showed football in their country exists after their incredible World Cup run came to an end The North African team were beaten 2-0 by France in …

Dream of World Cup final ends but Moroccans hail heroes
2 years ago

Dream of World Cup final ends but Moroccans hail heroes

The Hindu  

They may have fallen just short of reaching the World Cup final, but Moroccans on Wednesday hailed their team's historic run as it ended with a 2-0 defeat to reigning champions France. "The national team has been performing miracles since the start of the World Cup," Rachid Sabbiq, a street trader in the working-class Derb Sultan district of Casablanca, said …

France 2-0 Morocco, FIFA World Cup semifinal: Kolo Muani, Hernandez goals power Les Bleus to final
2 years ago

France 2-0 Morocco, FIFA World Cup semifinal: Kolo Muani, Hernandez goals power Les Bleus to final

The Hindu  

Europe, home to just 10 percent of the world population, kept its stranglehold on the World Cup final as France advanced to give the continent a participant in every summit clash since 1954. France vs Morocco semifinal Highlights: As it Happened In this semifinal between two nations inseparably tied by the history of French colonialism and its aftereffects, the first …

France end Morocco World Cup dream to set up Argentina final
2 years ago

France end Morocco World Cup dream to set up Argentina final

Deccan Chronicle  

AL KHOR, Qatar: France ended Morocco's World Cup dream as goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani gave the holders a 2-0 win in their semi-final clash to set up a showdown on Sunday with Lionel Messi's Argentina. It appeared that France might make short work of their opponents when Hernandez scored inside five minutes at Al Bayt Stadium …

Op-Ed: Why this World Cup will be remembered as Morocco’s after all
2 years ago

Op-Ed: Why this World Cup will be remembered as Morocco’s after all

LA Times  

Morocco’s recent victories over Belgium, Spain, and Portugal — the first time an Arab or African country reached the semifinals in the World Cup — before losing to France 2-0 on Wednesday, has riveted the world in general and the Arab world in particular. Does Morocco’s extraordinary performance in the World Cup represent a victory for the 450 million strikingly …

Cristiano Ronaldo SLAMMED by Didi Hamann for snubbing Morocco heroes after Portugal's World Cup exit
2 years ago

Cristiano Ronaldo SLAMMED by Didi Hamann for snubbing Morocco heroes after Portugal's World Cup exit

Daily Mail  

He claimed Morocco had more 'dignity' after their loss to France in comparison The Atlas Lions, who had beaten Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup at the weekend, had their inspiring campaign brought to an end on Wednesday night, succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against France. The Atlas Lions, who had beaten Portugal 1-0 in the …

Mbappe, France advance to World Cup final, beat Morocco 2-0
2 years ago

Mbappe, France advance to World Cup final, beat Morocco 2-0

Associated Press  

AL KHOR, Qatar — Kylian Mbappé vs. Lionel Messi. France and Mbappé are headed back to the biggest game in soccer, and to a much-anticipated matchup with Argentina, after ending Morocco’s historic run at the World Cup on Wednesday. It’s the dream final for many, with France looking to become the first team to retain the title since Brazil in …

Morocco went out of the World Cup but went out their way
2 years ago

Morocco went out of the World Cup but went out their way

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. You could see it in Sofyan Amrabat’s fabulously violent challenge on Kylian …

FRA 2-0 MAR, FIFA World Cup semifinal in pictures: France beats Morocco, will defend title against Argentina
2 years ago

FRA 2-0 MAR, FIFA World Cup semifinal in pictures: France beats Morocco, will defend title against Argentina

The Hindu  

Al Bayt in all its glory: The general view outside the Al Bayt stadium. Huddle ahead of an important evening: France players listen to assistant coach Guy Stephan ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup semi-final football match between France and Morocco. A place in history: Morocco will become the first ever African nation to play in the FIFA World …

Romain Saiss starts for Morocco against France in FIFA World Cup semifinal; subbed off in 20th minute
2 years ago

Romain Saiss starts for Morocco against France in FIFA World Cup semifinal; subbed off in 20th minute

The Hindu  

Morocco captain and defender Romain Saiss was named in the starting lineup against France in the semifinal of the FIFA World Cup. The defender was expected to miss the game after he was stretchered off the field in the African side’s quarterfinal against Portugal with a hamstring injury. Saiss’ inclusion will be a huge boost for Morocco as he has …

France 2-0 Morocco - World Cup 2022: Les Bleus set up Argentina final with victory
2 years ago

France 2-0 Morocco - World Cup 2022: Les Bleus set up Argentina final with victory

Daily Mail  

Morocco can leave Qatar with their heads held high. France players celebrate after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup semi-final at the Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday Randal Kolo Muani put the game to bed for France just seconds after coming on for France as he taps home from close range The striker had only been brought on as …

Walid Regragui: The ‘crazy’ coach who convinced Morocco to follow his World Cup dream
2 years ago

Walid Regragui: The ‘crazy’ coach who convinced Morocco to follow his World Cup dream

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Sometimes where you come from can help people, it can motivate you.” …

The story of Yassine Bounou, Morocco’s smiling World Cup hero
2 years ago

The story of Yassine Bounou, Morocco’s smiling World Cup hero

Al Jazeera  

The Moroccan goalkeeper has been instrumental in his country’s run to the World Cup semifinals. “If he’s not smiling, there’s a problem,” Christophe Revel, Bounou’s former goalkeeping coach for the Moroccan national team, revealed to Radio France International. “Just as Naybet and Zaki led the way for us, we have to set a good example for Moroccan kids who want …

France vs Morocco, FIFA Semis: Gear Up! It's time for defending champions vs team on history-making run
2 years ago

France vs Morocco, FIFA Semis: Gear Up! It's time for defending champions vs team on history-making run

India TV News  

France and Morocco are set to lock horns in the semifinals of the FIFA World cup 2022 on Thursday. Morocco might have some injuries now — Aguero and fellow center-back Romain Saiss could be missing Wednesday — but Regragui's game plan relies on team shape and discipline more than any specific individual. The Morocco coach said his team is ready …

Photos: France charge into final to end Morocco’s World Cup dream
2 years ago

Photos: France charge into final to end Morocco’s World Cup dream

Al Jazeera  

Al Khor, Qatar – France have put an end to Morocco’s dream of reaching a World Cup final, with a 2-0 victory that puts them on a path towards a potentially epic second straight World Cup victory. His deflected effort barely five minutes into Wednesday’s match set up Theo Hernandez, while a magnificent attempt in the 79th minute led to …

Moroccan World Cup ‘dream’ faces biggest test against France
2 years ago

Moroccan World Cup ‘dream’ faces biggest test against France

Associated Press  

DOHA, Qatar — Morocco’s improbable, history-making run at the World Cup is about to get its ultimate test. Africa’s first World Cup semifinalist is playing defending champion France and striker Kylian Mbappé, the leader of a new wave of soccer superstars coming out of an era dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. “We’ll use the best team possible.” The …

FIFA World Cup semifinal: African trailblazer Morocco eyes history against defending champion France
2 years ago

FIFA World Cup semifinal: African trailblazer Morocco eyes history against defending champion France

The Hindu  

In the streets of Doha, you no longer spot the canary yellow of Brazil. Morocco, the “Rocky of this World Cup,” as coach Walid Regragui calls his team, has already created history in a historical first World Cup in the Arab region. Regragui’s side, despite ceding possession – Morocco, on average, has enjoyed 32.4 per cent possession in its five …

Messi’s Argentina in World Cup semifinal showdown with Modric’s Croatia
2 years ago

Messi’s Argentina in World Cup semifinal showdown with Modric’s Croatia

The Hindu  

Argentina and Lionel Messi face Croatia on Tuesday in a World Cup semifinal that pits South American flair against the guile of Luka Modric and a remarkable fighting spirit. In the second semifinal on Wednesday, reigning champions France take on giant-killing Morocco, the first African team ever to reach the last four of a World Cup. "At back-to-back World Cups …

Morocco coach hopes to ‘upset’ France in World Cup semifinal
2 years ago

Morocco coach hopes to ‘upset’ France in World Cup semifinal

Al Jazeera  

Walid Regragui says the team was still ‘hungry’ for more success despite them not being ‘favourites’ to lift the trophy. Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui said on Tuesday that reaching the World Cup semifinal was not enough for his history-making side and that he hoped to cause an “upset” in their match against reigning champions France on Wednesday. ‘Spirit’, ‘fans’ key …

France not underestimating Morocco threat in World Cup semifinal
2 years ago

France not underestimating Morocco threat in World Cup semifinal

Al Jazeera  

France defender Raphael Varane says the World Cup title holders will not ‘fall into the trap’ of overconfidence when facing Morocco in the semifinal match. Though Morocco has stunned the footballing world by eliminating Spain and Portugal in the tournament’s knockout phase — and in the process becoming the first African and Arab team to qualify for a World Cup …

Morocco coach says his team is the ‘Rocky of this World Cup’
2 years ago

Morocco coach says his team is the ‘Rocky of this World Cup’

Al Jazeera  

‘I think now the world is with Morocco,’ coach Walid Regragui said, comparing the team’s run at the World Cup to the iconic Hollywood boxing movie. Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui has called the Atlas Lions the “Rocky of this World Cup” ahead of the team’s highly anticipated semifinal clash with reigning champions France. I think now the world is with …

DC Edit | Cup of hope: 4 amazing teams square off at WC
2 years ago

DC Edit | Cup of hope: 4 amazing teams square off at WC

Deccan Chronicle  

Notwithstanding the ‘Black Pearl’ Pele’s prophecy that an African team would win the football World Cup before the end of the old millennium, none would have dared predict that an African nation’s team would be in the semi-finals in 2022. For England, the eternally ambitious nation which also invented the game, slipping into its role as football’s tragic hero is …

World Cup 2022: Portugal boss has ‘no regrets’ over Cristiano Ronaldo benching
2 years, 1 month ago

World Cup 2022: Portugal boss has ‘no regrets’ over Cristiano Ronaldo benching

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Portugal boss Fernando Santos insisted he had no …

Regragui ecstatic as Morocco ‘writes history’ at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
2 years, 1 month ago

Regragui ecstatic as Morocco ‘writes history’ at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

The Hindu  

Morocco coach Walid Regragui lauded the battling spirit of his injury-hit side after it beat Portugal 1-0 on Saturday to become the first African country ever to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Youssef En-Nesyri’s header late in the first half sent the Atlas Lions through to a last-four showdown with reigning champion France or England. Regragui, a France-born former Morocco …

Cristiano Ronaldo left in tears after Portugal upset by Morocco at World Cup
2 years, 1 month ago

Cristiano Ronaldo left in tears after Portugal upset by Morocco at World Cup

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears as Portugal …

Morocco vs Portugal World Cup 2022 result, final score and report
2 years, 1 month ago

Morocco vs Portugal World Cup 2022 result, final score and report

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Morocco have become Africa’s maiden semi-finalists and Walid Regragui, the manager who …

En-Nesyri's header sends Morocco through and Ronaldo's Portugal out in biggest World Cup upset yet
2 years, 1 month ago

En-Nesyri's header sends Morocco through and Ronaldo's Portugal out in biggest World Cup upset yet

Daily Mail  

Yassine Bounou saved from Cristiano Ronaldo and Morocco manager Walid Redragui began to cry. Morocco exploded in celebration after beating Portugal 1-0 in the World Cup quarter-final Manager Walid Regragui was thrown aloft after masterminding their run into the semi-finals The African side are the first ever from the continent to reach the last four of a World Cup Portugal …

Regragui ecstatic as Morocco make World Cup history ‘for Africa’
2 years, 1 month ago

Regragui ecstatic as Morocco make World Cup history ‘for Africa’

Al Jazeera  

Morocco coach makes history as the first African manager to take a team from the continent into the World Cup semi-finals. Morocco coach Walid Regragui has hailed the battling spirit of his players after they defeated Portugal 1-0 to become the first African national team ever to reach the World Cup semi-final stage. Regragui, a France-born former Morocco international, had …

Portugal is out! Game vs Morocco turns out last dance and last stop for Ronaldo at FIFA World Cup
2 years, 1 month ago

Portugal is out! Game vs Morocco turns out last dance and last stop for Ronaldo at FIFA World Cup

India TV News  

Morocco defeated Portugal in the quarterfinals played at the Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday to advance to the semifinals. With Portugal's elimination, Cristiano Ronaldo's journey in the FIFA World Cup has probably come to an end. Team Morocco scripted history to become the first African team to qualify for the semifinal of a World Cup tournament. Following were the teams …

How Morocco rewrote World Cup history books against Portugal
2 years, 1 month ago

How Morocco rewrote World Cup history books against Portugal

Al Jazeera  

Morocco become the first team from Africa to reach a World Cup semi-final when they beat Portugal. At 7:58pm, Morocco, to the surprise of the world and to the disbelief of Moroccans themselves, sealed a stunning win over Portugal and became the first African team and the first Arab one to reach a football World Cup semi-final. This is awesome,” …

Ronaldo, Portugal look to end Morocco’s World Cup run
2 years, 1 month ago

Ronaldo, Portugal look to end Morocco’s World Cup run

Associated Press  

DOHA, Qatar — These really are pinch-yourself times for Morocco: A first-ever spot in the quarterfinals of a World Cup — the first to take place in the Arab world, no less — and now a meeting with Portugal and its superstar striker, Cristiano Ronaldo. “I hope he won’t,” Morocco coach Walid Regragui said Friday of Ronaldo. “As a coach …

Morocco didn’t fluke their way to the World Cup quarter-finals – so watch out, Portugal
2 years, 1 month ago

Morocco didn’t fluke their way to the World Cup quarter-finals – so watch out, Portugal

New York Times  

In 1986, Morocco became the first African nation to top their group at the World Cup. Players like Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal are known for flair and ability on the ball, but in Morocco’s four unbeaten games so far, they also showed their defensive contributions. This continued throughout the game… … and despite Zlatko Dalic’s introduction of Mario Pasalic …

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