Morocco’s Cinderella Story Stuns France in U20 World Cup Thriller

"The end of a dream", headlines L’Équipe.

The sports daily L’Équipe summarizes the match with a tone tinged with disappointment:

"The end of a dream." Under the pen of its special envoys, the newspaper evokes "the hopes of a second U20 World Cup title gone with the foot of young Djylian N’Guessan", the author of the last missed penalty.

According to L’Équipe, "this Morocco, ultimately victorious in Valparaíso (1-1, 5-4 on penalties), was within their reach and did not quite show the face of the announced ogre". The newspaper nevertheless acknowledges "the resources and resistance" of the Atlas Lions, particularly in a stifling extra time where the French finished with ten men after the expulsion of Rabby Nzingoula.

The newspaper also salutes the boldness of Moroccan coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who brought in third-choice goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi just before the shootout, who became the hero of the evening. "His exploits, and the inspiration of his coach, allowed the Atlas Lions to await Argentina or Colombia in the final," concludes L’Équipe.

Foot Mercato hails a "historic team".

The Foot Mercato website, for its part, puts more emphasis on the symbolic significance of the Moroccan victory:

"Morocco writes its history." The media points out that "the Moroccan national team prevailed after a very tight match and thus validates its ticket for the final of this U20 World Cup".

Foot Mercato details the scenario of the match: the opening of the scoring on a penalty by Yassir Zabiri in the 32nd minute, the French equalizer signed Lucas Michal at the hour mark, then an end of the match "marked by fatigue, aggression and palpable tension".

The site insists on the tactical success of the Moroccan coach:

"Launched as the ultimate trump card by Mohamed Ouahbi, goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi justified this choice by stopping Djylian N’Guessan’s decisive attempt."

An inspiration that allows Morocco to play the first U20 World Cup final in its history. "Thirteen years after the Pogba and Umtiti generation, the dream ends there for the Bleuets," concludes Foot Mercato.

A new chapter for Moroccan football

Between French frustration and measured admiration, the two media agree on one point: the solidity and maturity of Morocco. The young Atlas Lions were able to resist, strike at the right time and show impressive composure in the decisive shootout.

This qualification confirms the rise of Moroccan football at all levels, after the exploits of the A team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the constant progress of youth football.

Morocco will face the winner of the duel between Argentina and Colombia in the final, with the possibility of recording their name for the first time in the world U20 category.