Morocco Faces Spain in World Cup Round of 16: Coach Confident Despite Tough Opposition

Qualified for the round of 16 of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Morocco faces Spain next Tuesday. A team with an impressive record according to Walid Regragui who says he has full confidence in his team. "We will face one of the best teams in the world in technical terms. On this kind of pitch, they are practically unbeatable. They have a great coach, great players used to playing this kind of competition... We will go with our qualities, our values, and without having any complex," the coach said in an interview with FIFA+.

Morocco managed to get a draw against Spain in 2018 and could surprise this time, given the experience gained. During the interview, the coach also gave his opinion on the team and the results obtained. "They gave their best and even did more than what was expected of them. In terms of mindset, in the values we wanted to convey to the public, I think we succeeded in our challenge."

However, he calls for more concentration for the rest of the competition. He claims to have a very good relationship with each member of the team, trying to be as close as possible to them. "The relationship I have with my players is miraculous. I try to be very close to them, but at the same time to make them understand that I am one of their guides. I have to be one of their leaders and set an example, but also give them a lot of love."

Regarding the images showing Achraf Hakimi in tears after qualifying for the round of 16, he is full of praise for the player he considers one of the "leaders" of the national team. "That he is so touched, it is precisely because he loves his country, he loves this team. He absolutely did not want to miss a historic feat that was within our reach. He is our spearhead, an extraordinary player," he stressed.