World Cup 2022: Morocco ‘one of four best teams in the world’ – Walid Regragui
Manager Walid Regragui has said Morocco are “one of the four best teams in the world now”, as they aim to create more history and reach a World Cup final.
On Wednesday, Morocco will become the first African team to play in a World Cup semi-final when they face holders France (19:00 GMT kick-off).
“Why not reach the final of the World Cup? We will show great desire and try to pull off an upset,” said Regragui.
“We’ve come to this competition to change mindsets within our continent.”
Morocco have already beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to the last four in Qatar.
“Before every match people thought we would get knocked out, but we’re still here,” added Regragui, who only took charge of the side in August. “We’re getting closer to our dreams and we’ll fight to get there.
“If we say the semi-final is enough, I don’t agree. We aren’t satisfied with the semi-final and being the first African team to do that. We want to go further.
“You might think that’s crazy, but a bit of craziness is good.
“We’re hungry. I don’t know if it will be enough, but we want Africa to be on top of the world. I know we’re not favourites but we’re confident.”
Morocco’s previous best performance at a World Cup came in 1986, when they lost in the last 16. The other four times they had qualified before this year, they had failed to progress from the group stage.
They were 22nd in Fifa’s world rankings at the start of this tournament, but have drawn 0-0 with 2018 runners-up Croatia and recorded three victories over sides ranked in the top 10.
The post World Cup 2022: Morocco ‘one of four best teams in the world’ – Walid Regragui was originally published on the BBC.
