Former Morocco striker Salaheddine Bassir said the Atlas Lions have the technical quality and experience to challenge Brazil in their World Cup opener, but warned that confidence, tactical discipline and mental focus will decide whether they can secure a positive result.
Speaking to MAP, Bassir said Brazil remain one of football’s great powers, with elite players across the pitch, but argued that the current team is going through a period of renewal and is different from the side Morocco faced at the 1998 World Cup in France.
He said Morocco’s position near Brazil in the FIFA ranking reflects the progress made by national football in recent years and the growing maturity of a squad combining experienced players with younger talents active in major European leagues.
Bassir said Group C, which also includes Scotland and Haiti, will be demanding but open enough for Morocco to target qualification to the next round.
He warned that Scotland have players used to strong European competitions and said Haiti should not be underestimated after recent strong results.
Bassir, remembered for scoring twice in Morocco’s 3-0 win over Scotland in 1998, urged the current generation to play with belief and concentration.
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