Morocco coach Waleed Ragragui asked the million dollar question why we, who are currently one of the top four teams in the world, can’t play in the World Cup final. The team coach’s policy will be clarified Wednesday night on the history of being the first African team to play in the World Cup semi-finals. Morocco will face defending champions France. “We will fight with passion. Try your best to avoid failure. This time we came to the World Cup to change the attitude of people on dry land,” he says.
Morocco came close to the crown after defeating top teams from Belgium, Spain and Portugal. If they can defeat France this time around, Qatar will witness an African celebration like no other.
“Before every match, people thought that we would be eliminated. Yet it remained. It is very close to realizing those golden dreams. Now it will be our fight to own it. If it seems that playing the semi-final is enough, it cannot be accepted “We won’t settle for the semi-finals. Being the first African country to play in the semi-finals isn’t enough. Go further. It would be a crazy dream. But this is the stage where a little madness is needed,” continued Rugargui.
In 1986, Morocco made a great performance in the World Cup before this. That day, he lost in the pre-quarter and was eliminated. The team is currently ranked 22nd in the world. Having already toppled three giants in the top 10, Morocco is setting new records.
Belgium, second in the world rankings, were defeated by two one-sided goals in Qatar. The team that beat Spain on penalties defeated Portugal without a single goal. Lightning forays from a strong defensive team often confuse the opposition. The method is to let the ball play for as long as possible in your own half and run towards the opponent’s net and score the goal.
At the same time, it will be a challenge for the team to have the back row injured when they go out tomorrow. Centre-back Naif Aguird and defender Romain Saiz are doubtfuls for Wednesday. An estimated 20,000 Moroccans will come to the Qatar Albayt Stadium to watch their favorite team’s match.
