Morocco's remarkable journey during the last World Cup has set a daunting precedent as they prepare for this month's tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The weight of expectations now rests heavily on the shoulders of the North African nation, following their historic semi-final appearance in Qatar 2022, which not only delighted their fans but also shook the foundations of traditional football hierarchies. This achievement marked a significant milestone as it was the first time an African team reached the final four in World Cup history, providing a substantial boost to both African and Arab football on the global stage.
In the lead-up to this World Cup, Morocco has strived to live up to the heightened expectations by completing an impressive sweep of victories in all their World Cup qualifiers. This remarkable feat contributed to a world-record streak of 19 consecutive wins, surpassing the previous record of 15 held by Spain between 2008 and 2009. Their dominant performance positioned them as favorites for the Africa Cup of Nations finals earlier this year. However, their journey in that tournament was marred by inconsistent performances, leading to a wave of discontent among supporters. Despite reaching the final, Morocco's inability to clinch the title in a controversial match against Senegal resulted in the resignation of coach Walid Regragui, who could no longer withstand the criticism from fans.
Stepping into the role is Mohamed Ouahabi, a promising coach who led the Under-20 team to World Cup victory last year but lacks experience at the senior level. He faces a similar challenge in managing a squad that retains some of the successful players from the previous World Cup while also integrating new talent. Among these is former Spain international Brahim Diaz, who has emerged as a crucial figure for the team, albeit with some redemption needed after a missed Panenka-style penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final. The Confederation of African Football has since awarded Morocco the trophy following a disciplinary committee decision, although this outcome is currently under appeal.
As Morocco gears up for their World Cup opener against Brazil in New York on June 13, they are aware of the challenging road ahead. Group C also features Haiti and Scotland, and while expectations remain high, the team must navigate these early matches with care. Four years ago, Morocco thrived on fervent support and the element of surprise, defeating football giants Spain and Portugal on their way to the semi-finals. However, repeating such an extraordinary performance amidst the intensified scrutiny and expectations this time around may prove to be a formidable challenge.
As reported by theherald.co.za.
