Morocco’s Hakimi Faces Birth Country Spain in World Cup Round of 16 Clash

The last match between the Atlas Lions and La Roja dates back to the second day of the 2018 World Cup group stage, which ended in a draw (2-2). Four years later, Achraf Hakimi says he has a "more mature mentality" to face Spain at the 2022 World Cup.

"Spain is a team ranked in the top 5 and always comes to the World Cup to win. But our coach has also taught us to have a winning mentality; no matter who we cross swords with. We will try to play and try to beat them," he said in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca.

The Moroccan right-back is already counting on what the Atlas Lions have capitalized on so far. "We finished first in the group and I think we deserve a little respect. I think Spain knows that and should be a little afraid of us. And why can’t we create another surprise?" he wondered, promising that his teammates and him are seeking to do great things.