Achraf Hakimi reveals why Morocco are a better team in Qatar
Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi has credited the team spirit among the current squad for their performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions have progressed through to the last 16 in Qatar following the 2-1 win over Canada on Thursday. They needed a draw or win in their final group match to reach the knockout stage. Morocco ended up topping Group F with seven points from a possible nine.
Croatia finished second to also qualify while Belgium and Canada who finished third and fourth respectively were eliminated.
TOP OF THE GROUP
“When the draw was made and we saw teams that we were going to play, never did we imagine we would be top of the group,” said Achraf Hakimi after the match.
“Of course, I trust my family, it’s not my teammates it’s my family,” he said referring to his fellow players.
“We worked a lot; we had a lot of problems but we kept going and everything. We are a family, every day, every time we have been here for 20 days together.”
ACHRAF HAKIMI APPRECIATES FANS’ SUPPORT
“I don’t have words to describe how I feel in terms of the support for the team. It’s amazing, the three games they support us all the time and they are behind us. I don’t know what to say but I want to say thank you so much and we will keep going.”
Morocco will play their last 16 encounter on Tuesday, 6 December. They will know their opponents upon the completion of the group stage matches.
As it stands, Morocco and Senegal are the two African sides who have made it past the group stages of the World Cup. The North African country is also the first side to finish top of their group since Nigeria in France 1998.
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