World Cup: Morocco are ‘Rocky Balboa’ of this tournament, says Regragui
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Morocco coach Walid Regragui celebrates with the players after the match, as Morocco progress to the semi finals.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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DOHA – Morocco coach Walid Regragui said his side are “the Rocky Balboa of this World Cup” after the Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach the semi-finals with a stunning victory over Portugal
The injury-hit North Africans held on for a 1-0 victory at Al Thumama Stadium to set up a last-four clash against France, with Youssef En-Nesyri’s headed goal late in the first half.
The win over Portugal came after knocking out Spain in the last 16 on penalties and beating the world’s second-ranked team Belgium in the group stage.
“When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa because of his hard work and commitment, and I think we’re the Rocky Balboa of this World Cup,” Regragui told reporters.
“We’re becoming the team that everyone loves at this World Cup, because we’re showing that even if you don’t have as much talent, if you show that desire, heart and belief, you can achieve.
“I’m sure many of you will say this is a miracle, but we’ve won without conceding against Belgium, Spain, Portugal and that’s the result of hard work.”
Morocco will take on France on Wednesday at Al Bayt Stadium for the opportunity to become the first nation from outside Europe or South America to reach the final.
Les Bleus will not be taking the Atlas Lions lightly, with coach Didier Deschamps saying: “Morocco will be very, very difficult to beat. It is fantastic what they have achieved. They have played and beaten some of the best teams in the world. It is a historic achievement.”
His opposite number, France-born Regragui, who took over only in August, added: “We can dream, why shouldn’t we dream about winning the World Cup?
“It doesn’t cost you anything to have dreams. European countries have been used to winning the World Cup...
“We’ve played some really top sides, but so far we haven’t achieved anything.
“Anyone who plays us now will have to be at the top of their game to beat us, it won’t be easy for them, that’s the message I’m trying to send out.”
Yassine Bounou, his goalkeeper, has definitely bought into the message.
After initially saying, “Pinch me, I think I’m dreaming,” the Sevilla custodian reflected: “These moments are great, but we’re here to change the mentality. With this feeling of inferiority, we have to get rid of it.
“The Moroccan player can face any in the world. The generation coming after us will know we can create miracles.”
‘We had to write history’
Morocco had already surpassed expectations by becoming only the fourth African country and first Arab nation to reach the quarter-finals.
But they managed to go one step further than Cameroon in 1990, Senegal’s 2002 side and the Ghana team of 2010.
“We came up against a really great Portugal team. We’re drawing on all we have, we still have guys injured. We have a mindset,” Regragui told France’s TF1.
“I told the guys before the match we had to write history for Africa. I’m very, very happy.”
Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri (centre) celebrating with teammates after scoring the only goal of the match.
PHOTO: AFP
Former Morocco international Regragui had already made history of his own as the first African coach to take a team into the World Cup quarter-finals.
Morocco were without injured defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd on Saturday, while captain Romain Saiss was stretchered off early in the second half.
“We’re very proud because the players who did come in did a fantastic job,” said Regragui.
“We’re a 26-man squad and... we’ll need all of them.”
Midfield general Sofyan Amrabat agreed, adding: “How we fight, how we play, with our heart for our country for the people – it’s unbelievable. Our spirit, we have injuries, three defenders came in and how they defend, big respect.”
Morocco still have the best defensive record in the World Cup. The only time they have conceded in five matches was an own goal against Canada.
“It’s crazy. We’re living a dream and we don’t want to wake up. I have goosebumps,” said winger Sofiane Boufal. “Everything we have, we deserve. We work hard. It’s not over. There’s still the semi-final and god willing, the final.” AFP, NYTIMES, REUTERS
