Morocco Faces France Without Star Striker Saibari
As Morocco prepares to take on France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has asserted that the team will not alter its strategy significantly despite the absence of striker Ismael Saibari, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained during their last-16 victory over Canada. Saibari, who played a crucial role in Morocco's success so far, scoring in each group match and converting the decisive penalty against the Netherlands, will be sorely missed on the field. Ouahbi remains hopeful that Saibari's tournament is not over yet, but acknowledges the challenge ahead without him.
In a pre-match press conference, Ouahbi emphasized that Morocco will approach the game against the heavily favored French team with confidence and clarity in their game plan. He stated, “There will not be any surprises. I have nothing to hide. You know that we have a clear idea of how we want to play.” He highlighted the importance of being patient with the ball and finding opportunities to exploit weaknesses in France's defense, whether down the wings or through the center. Despite the daunting task of facing a highly skilled opponent, Ouahbi firmly believes in his team's ability to compete and cause problems for their rivals.
A Different Context: Lessons from the Past
Reflecting on previous encounters, Ouahbi noted that every match possesses its unique context and history, and he does not foresee a repeat of their previous semi-final loss to France four years ago. He remarked, “What is important is that we now have a team that is different. We’re going to face a different French team than the one from four years ago.” This fresh perspective, coupled with the improvements both teams have made since their last meeting, suggests that the quarter-final clash will be a thrilling and competitive matchup.
Moreover, Ouahbi pushed back against suggestions that reaching the quarter-finals is a significant achievement in itself, asserting that the team's ambition extends far beyond just making it to this stage. “We’re not going to listen to people who will say, ‘Oh, it’s great what you have done up till now.’ France might be favorites, but we will do everything possible to win. Being at this stage is not a bonus. The bonus is to win the World Cup,” he stated resolutely. As Morocco gears up for this pivotal match, their resolve to challenge the odds and aim for the ultimate prize remains unwavering.
As reported by reuters.com.
