Morocco coach targets World Cup title

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has said his team will not be satisfied with reaching the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and insisted their ambition is to win the tournament rather than earn praise for their progress. Comments were made ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final against France in Boston.

Ouahbi dismissed suggestions that Morocco had already surpassed expectations by reaching the last eight. “The team’s achievements will be judged only after the tournament is over,” he said, insisting the players were still focused on lifting the trophy.

“We will know at the end of the tournament,” Ouahbi said. We are not going to listen to people who say that what we have done so far is wonderful. The bonus is to win the World Cup.

Morocco will face France in a replay of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when the French ended the Atlas Lions’ historic run. Ouahbi said France is the favourite going into the match, but his players are determined to reach the semi-finals. He added that Morocco must raise their game again and keep improving if they are to overcome one of the strongest teams in the tournament.

France will rely on an attack spearheaded by captain Kylian Mbappe, who has netted seven goals in the competition, as well as Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola. Meanwhile, Morocco advanced to the quarter-finals after progressing from the group stage before eliminating the Netherlands and co-hosts Canada.

Ouahbi urged his players to play without fear or complacency, as they have to give their all on the pitch to keep their World Cup dream alive. The winner of Thursday’s game will move on to the semi-finals.

SOURCE: Reuters