‘With these players and these fans, anything is possible’- says Morocco coach – The North Africa Post

Morocco has defeated Belgium, number two in FIFA’s global ranking. This was Morocco’s first win in a World Cup. Its victory was a huge success, much to the delight and excitement of millions of Moroccans, as well as thousands of fans who cheered for the Atlas Lions.

“We played against one of the best teams in the world with big players, but we know that if you don’t give 100%, it is impossible to win. With these players and these fans, anything is possible,” Walid Regragui told the press after the 2-0 win against Belgium.

Substitutes Sabiri and Aboukhlal scored Morocco’s two goals in the second half after Ziyech goal in the first half was annulled as an offside using the VAR.

The stadiums were filled with 43,000 fans, many of whom wore the colours of the national team and sang loudly the national anthem. It made players feel like they were in Marrakech or Casablanca.

“I know everyone is delighted but I know football and you need to respect the game. I want everyone to be happy right now, but we must quickly recover and get back to work. Canada will be a hard team to play and we have to respect them,” Walid Regragui said.

Morocco could reach the knockout stages with a draw only with Canada, as it shares leadership in group F along with Croatia, which defeated Canada 4-1.

Streets were filled with people celebrating the hard-won, but well-deserved win in Morocco. Most of Africa and most of the Arab World shared the celebrations. They now hope that the Atlas Lions will reach the next stage, surpassing their 1986 success.