Morocco coach Walid Regragui has reflected on his team’s performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Regragui believes the Atlas Lions tried all their best to make Africa proud and represent the continent with pride and honour.
Morocco are undoubtedly the surprise package and the underdogs of the competition after their exit in the semifinals.
They are history makers after becoming the first African team to qualify for the semifinals. In previous World Cup editions, African countries like Ghana ended their campaigns in the quarterfinals.
Morocco’s road in the knockout stages was a tough one. They defeated 2010 world champions Spain in the round of 16 before eliminating 2016 European champions Portugal in the quarterfinals.
MOROCCO COACH REFLECTS
“We gave a good image of Morocco and Africa, representing our country and our continent. We went as far as we could in the competition and that is great,” said Regratui in his post-match conference.
“We worked hard; played honest football and that is what we wanted to do. We have shown Africans we are capable of going toe-to-toe with the best.
“We have to do that regularly if we want to be on the footballing map. We may not be as good as Spain, Brazil or England, but I want to qualify for every competition.”
Regragui further revealed what he told his players after the two nil defeat to France on Wednesday evening.
“I told the players I am proud of them, the whole of Morocco is proud of them and so is the world. We are going to have to do even better in the future,” he added.
The Atlas Lions’ defeat saw them set up a third/fourth place match against another semifinal losing side Croatia.
Both teams have all to play for with the Bronze medal at stake.
Kickoff on Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium is at 9pm.
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