Morocco head coach Walid Regragui compared his team with Rocky Balboa after they stunned Portugal 1-0 in the quarterfinal on Saturday. With this historic win, Morocco became the first African nation to qualify for the semifinal of the World Cup.
Morocco has so far stunned teams like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. The African nation has been strong defensively and they have reaped rewards for their cohesive defense.
Youssef En-Nesyri scored in the 42nd minute for Morocco against Portugal and the team was then able to successfully defend their lead to write their name in the history books.
“We are the Rocky Balboa of this World Cup,” Morocco coach Walid Regragui said.
“We are the team that everyone loves in this World Cup because we are showing the world you can succeed even if you don’t have as much talent and money,” Regragui added.
“It is no miracle. Many of you will say it is, especially in Europe, but we have beaten Belgium, Spain, and Portugal without conceding. We have made our people proud and our continent and so many people around, when you watch Rocky you want to support Rocky Balboa.”
It has been an incredible journey for Morocco in the ongoing marquee event as they have come up with a collective effort. In fact, they have not even conceded a single goal from the opposition. Only Canada scored against them in the group stage but even that was Morocco’s own goal.
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has been outstanding between the sticks as he has been like a wall for the opposition.
“Pinch me, I’m dreaming,” Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou said. “Morocco is ready to face anyone in the world. We have changed the mentality of the generation coming after us. They’ll know Moroccan players can create miracles.”
Walid Regregui is optimistic that his team could go on to win the World Cup.
“What’s important for future generations is we’ve shown that it is possible for an African team to get to the semifinals of the World Cup. Or even the final, why not?” he said.
“In one press conference three or four matches ago, I was asked if we could win the World Cup. And I said, ‘Why not?’ We can dream. Why shouldn’t we dream? If you don’t dream, you don’t get anywhere. It doesn’t cost you anything.”
Morocco will face reigning champions France in the semi-final on Wednesday.
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