Doha – National coach Walid Regragui said on Tuesday that the qualification of the Atlas Lions for the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is a historic achievement in many respects.
The Moroccan selection, by composing its ticket for the quarter-finals, is writing history and consecrating the influence of national football, he underlined during the press conference held after the round of 16 won by Morocco. Morocco at the expense of Spain (3-0, pens, 0-0 after extra time).
Regragui said that the fighting spirit shown by the national team in this difficult match was the main factor that allowed the National Eleven to win against a selection that was among the favorites for the final victory at the World Cup Qatari.
He continued that the players showed a good level and had a great game, despite the strength of the opponent who imposed a defensive game plan on the Moroccan selection, which confused the cards for Luis Enrique’s men.
“The Moroccan team had a heroic game against a great team that created several chances and was better in terms of ball possession,” he added, insisting that the tactical scheme and collective play were key factors in achieving this great feat.
Despite the historic qualification to the quarter-finals, Regragui said he wanted to continue his momentum and go even further in the competition, praising the heroic performance of the players and the efforts of all the components of the national team, as well as the role of foreground played by Moroccan fans to push his men to victory.
For his part, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was elected man of the match, indicated that the national team signed a remarkable performance in a mainly tactical match, which was perfectly negotiated by the players.
He also spoke of the essential role of the Moroccan supporters who were numerous in the stands to be behind the Atlas Lions, expressing the wish that the team could continue with the same determination and rage to win in the next match, to go far in this global football event.
The Moroccan team will face its Portuguese counterpart in the quarter-finals on Saturday at the Al Thumama stadium in Doha.
