Morocco is gearing up for its sixth participation in the FIFA World Cup, with the appointment of new coach Walid Regragui to lead the national team less than three months ahead of the kick-off, said the international federation on its website.
The 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup is set to begin on November 20, with Morocco coming out with Group F countries, alongside Croatia, Canada, and Belgium.
Group stage games schedule :
November 23
Morocco vs. Croatia, 1 p.m local time, Al Bayt Stadium
November 27
Belgium vs. Morocco, 4 p.m local time, Al Thumama Stadium
December 1
Canada vs. Morocco, 6 p.m local time, Al Thumama Stadium
FIFA further stated that former French-Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodic who led the Atlas Lions for Qatar with the best qualifying record among African teams.
Morocco is the only team to have completed a clean sweep of the preliminary competition’s second phase, after winning all six of its matches against Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Sudan. The Atlas Lions also defeated DR Congo 5-2 on aggregate in the third round, said the same source.
Regragui’s philosophy
Walid Regragui has shown certain flexibility in tactics and philosophy throughout his coaching career, namely his recent career with Wydad.
“Given his adaptability, he could employ a variety of tactical strategies during the World Cup, depending on how the opposing teams perform. One thing is certain: Regragui has the needed means to better lead the team, whether in defense or offense,” added FIFA.
National team performance
FIFA further specified that international right-back Achraf Hakimi is a key player for the national team for several years and is one of the first selected names to be part of the sporting event.
“His performances at the last African Cup of Nations and in the Qatar 2022 qualifiers are proof of his importance to the team,” said the same source.
If Achraf Hakimi is the most well-known Moroccan player, Sofiane Boufal is widely regarded as the most talented. Capable of pure magic in the final third of the pitch and a specialist in duels, he adds a touch of genius to his team’s performances.
The Angers winger was Morocco’s top scorer at the last African Cup of Nations with three goals. He has recently taken on a more prominent role in the national team and is unlikely to disappear from Regragui’s radar, who knows he can create a play from scratch.
“Fast, talented and intelligent, Boufal would be an ideal partner for any striker, either Youssef En Nesryi, Ayoub El Kaabi, Walid Cheddira, or Abderrazak Hamdallah,” FIFA further specified.
“The 1994, 1998, and 2018 editions of the tournament saw the national team fail to reach the group stage. However, they came close to progressing to the group stage in France 1998, where they recorded a convincing 3-0 win over Scotland and a 2-2 draw with Norway. They also impressed at World Cup Russia 2018, although they only managed a point against Spain (2-2),” recalled the same source.
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